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JELENA BEHREND’S OBJECTS OF DESIRE | Vol. 1. | PART II | URI ARAN
November 6, 2014
What do you do for a living?
I'm an artist.
How did you find out about Jelena Behrend?
Elizabeth Neel introduced Jelena to me.
What was your first encounter like, when you wore Jelena Behrend’s jewelry?
I never wore any jewelry before. Jelena and I worked on my ring together, or in other words
she did everything but made me feel like I was helping as I was present during some of the process.
Since then I have worn it and never really took it off, which at times almost cost me my fingers at work.
What are your favorite places to wear Jelena’s jewelry?
The nice thing about Jelena's work is that it feels good at all times,
casually, when I'm going to a dinner, or a more formal event. When I do...
What pieces are your all time favorite, and why?
My ring. I think It's beautiful, it's personal and there is a story and a history to it
that Jelena, Elizabeth and I share. The unique attitude and process that Jelena goes through with
her client becomes a history of an object and an added special value to its already
beautiful physical attributes.
Do they bring you fortune, love, and protection?
I hope...
How does Jelena make the jewelry perfect for you?
Jelena Behrend's talent and personality work in concert. She takes the time to know
and try to understand who it is that's in her studio and why and in this sense the work has
a collaborative aspect. Well, at least in terms of planning and getting to understand what's
right for the event, person, or at times more than one person.
What do people say, when they see you wearing the jewelry, and how do you manage their envy?
Indeed very hard - I was verbally and at times physically attacked for my ring. I often hand my
attackers Jelena's phone number and studio address. I really do very often get asked about my ring.
I enjoy telling the story of it's making and spending time at Jelena's studio. She is a master of her
craft and seeing her at her element is amazing.
What is your favorite place to wear Jelena’s jewelry? Do you sleep with them, shower with them?
Are there pieces that you never take off, that are a part of your skin?
I already told you! My ring!!!
What pieces are you hoping to own next?
More ring. Then I will have - rings!!!
Born in 1977, Uri Lives and works in New York, MFA, Visual Arts, Columbia University, New York, 2007, B.Des, Bezalel Academy, Jerusalem, 2004,The Cooper Union School of Art, New York, 2003.
Uri's New York Citi Gallery - www.gavinbrown.biz
Uri Is wearing his custom ring and Horse Frame Necklace
Still Life - Jelena Behrend Candle Holders