I am drawn to the history of sterling silver and its use in design. I believe this attraction stems from my adoration of the formality and intricate detail of a wide array of handmade items from the Victorian Era , like monogrammed napkin rings and flatwear to barrettes and bracelets. My adoration for this bright metal has led me to purchase a few carefully selected handmade jewelry pieces, both contemporary and antique. Just recently, in my search for a very specific type of equestrian themed necklace, I discovered the work of Loriece Boatright. An authentic “modern artisan” and horsewoman, her handmade designs are extremely representative of items that abound around the stable. Loriece has spent decades honing her expertise in designing and creating custom jewelry for both men and women and she works not only with silver, but also with gold, precious stones and more.
Although I was shopping for a "bit" necklace, I also discovered a relevant collection by Loriece that is quite unique from the standard marketplace and fills the niche for the modern hunter rider- the stock pin. This accessory is becoming increasingly sought after, yet difficult to locate. While already used in dressage competitions, the impetus of the USHJA to bring horsemanship back to the hunter discipline through the promotion and support of International, National, and now Pony Derby classes has created a significant demand for shadbellies and stock ties. The stock pin, necessary to hold the tie in place, is often overlooked, but in reality this can be a subtle investment piece that may be customized to reflect one's personal style. Loriece Boatright's experience as both a horsewoman and talented designer has allowed her to create a wide breadth of relevant offerings that possess a diversity in design.
In this interview, we learn about the process, inspiration and breadth of Loriece’s skills in creating custom and extremely detailed handmade jewelry including rings, bracelets, earrings, stock pins/brooches, and more. Each piece shows her commitment to authenticity and detail, specifically pertaining to equestrian related items. Additionally, she has been extremely generous in providing a handmade sterling horse show nail stock pin to one fortunate member of the Street to Stable community. Details to enter are located at the bottom of the page
Salut!.
EXPERTISE & CAREER
- Designer, Sculptor and Goldsmith for 38 years
- Authenticity is achieved through detail
- Diverse – work in all equestrian disciplines and styles – classic through contemporary
- Passion for her craft
- Graduated from George Brown College in 1978 with a degree in Jewelry Arts. Developed skills as a goldsmith working for a local jewelry store, which prepared Loriece to follow her dream of opening a custom jewelry business.
PROJECTS ARE UNIQUE BECAUSE OF LORIECE'S:
- Approach– "I create the design first and then I plan how I will engineer and construct it. I love a challenge and I am fearless when creating."
- Versatility, No Limitations– "There are many different ways to create a piece – sculpt it in clay, carve it in wax, create it in CAD, or hand form it in metal. I have done them all."
IMPORTANT FACTS THAT ATTRIBUTE TO LORIECE"S SUCCESS AS AN ACCOMPLISHED ARTISAN:
- Great support from staff and family
- A really well organized work shop with a lot of natural light
- Good research
CONNECTING CRAFTSMANSHIP WITH THE EQUESTRIAN LIFESTYLE
"I had always been fascinated by horses, so when my friends invited me to join their riding lessons, I jumped at the opportunity. I visited the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto later that year in search of jewelry that celebrated the horse and equestrian lifestyle, but surprisingly it lacked representation. I then shifted my entire focus finding inspiration in all things horse, from my morning hacks, working in the arena and tending the barn. I literally carved, sculpted and cast these experiences into my art – pieces of fine gold and sterling silver that articulated the special relationship between the riders and their horses.
My work has always been about creating authenticity through detail. When I am in my studio working, I am in the zone. All inspirations and skills combine as one. It’s comparable to riding, being collected and engaging all elements to create a light and powerful flow of movement and beauty. At that very moment, you and the horse are one.
The various disciplines offer me an unlimited resource to create from; however, it is the custom orders that feed my creative soul. From the very first riding lesson, I became a transitive medium capturing the customer’s imagination to create an artistic piece of jewelry that will tell their story and leave a lasting impression for generations to pass down."
INSPIRATIONS FOR DESIGNS ARE INSPIRED BY.... (roll over image for details)
EDITOR'S FAVORITES
TO SHOP, visit Loriece.com .
CONNECT SOCIALLY ON FACEBOOK/ INSTAGRAM: @designsbyloriece
STOCK PIN CONTEST
DID YOU KNOW?
Traditionally, the stock tie is used in the hunt field as a safety measure: in case of injury, the tie may be used as a temporary bandage for a horse's leg or a sling for a rider's arm. It is also useful in keeping rain or wind out of the rider's collar and is often worn by riders along with a shadbelly coat. The pin is stuck through the knot or just below the knot of the stock tie, thus the name stock pin.
IMAGE: Tory Colvin in formal attire during the final round of the 2016 $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at WEF
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stock_tie
*complete rules for contest are located at Street to Stable.com