Join Talisman Fine Jewelry and our friends at Eleanor boutique in Louisville, CO for a fall trunk show, where we will be launching the new FW24 collection IRL! Come shop with designer Vanessa Barcus all day on Thursday, October 24th. The full collection will remain in-sore for the weekend that follows.
Thursday, October 24
10am - 6pm
What would a mermaid listen to these days? Well, allow this mermaid to provide your imagination with some possibilities…
For your ears only, I rounded up a little playlist of the songs I’ve been jamming to in my mermaid cave - aka the studio - as I designed the fall/winter 2024 collection. In true spooky season spirit, it’s full of a lot of darkwave synth pop, ambient electronic, angsty riot grrrl vibes, and even some moody blues thrown in for good measure. I suppose you could say this mermaid is a bit on the dark side. Enjoy!
Photographer Matt Nager with model Rachel Xie wearing the new Soleil Earrings. Jesse Kamm shirt and Baserange undies from Recital boutique.
Given that “Jewelry for Mermaids” was the theme of the fall 2024 collection, I of course found myself in search of the perfect mermaid for this season’s campaign photoshoot. Models Rachel Xie from Wolves Management and Vanessa Luka played the part - even if there were no crashing waves or tide pools in sight. She’s a modern mermaid, after all - washed ashore, very far from home. So far, in fact, that she found herself all the way in a photo studio in Denver, Colorado (shout out to Studio Office in LoHi for lending us their amazing space!). Photographer Matt Nager, my longtime friend, captured our moody, architectural shots, which you can now see the final results of here. Below is a fun little peek at some behind-the-scenes moments from that day.
Rachel, in the new Duality Necklace, wears a Rachel Comey mesh top and Sandy Liang skirt from Recital
Major thanks are in order not only to Matt and Rachel, but also to makeup artist Lillian Marsh, my styling assistant Katie Miner, Studio Office, and to Recital boutique for lending the wardrobe for the shoot. Be sure to check them out next time you’re in the RiNo neighborhood of Denver.
Lily Marsh works on Rachel’s hear. Rachel wears the new Piscean Dream Necklace, Yin Yang Necklace, and shirt by Jesse Kamm from Recital.
Rachel in the Vortex Necklace and Ariel’s Comb Necklace, also wearing a top by Sandy Liang and pants by Jesse Kamm from Recital.
Stylist Katie Miner and MUA Lily Marsh make adjustments on-set. Rachel wears the Vortex Necklace, Soft Body Venus Necklace, and the Duality Necklace, along with red velvet undies by Baserange from Recital.
Rachel in the Zoe’s Heart Necklace and Soleil Earrings. Rachel Comey top and Sandy Liang skirt from Recital.
Rachel strikes a pose in the Duality Necklace and look from Recital
Rachel wears the Piscean Dream Necklace, Yin Yang Necklace, and a look from Recital boutique
Join me for a summer trunk show along with my dear friend Laura Moretz - the incredibly talented painter, astrologer and tarot reader - for a very special pop-up during Aspen Art Week.
1-5pm, Wed, July 31st + Thurs, Aug 1st
@ Upstairs Aspen - 525 E. Cooper Ave in downtown Aspen
All life at Talisman begins as wax… or most at least.
July is the time of year when, just as everyone escapes town on their summer vacation, I dive back into the studio to begin work on the prototypes for fall. Many of my creations, if not most, begin their life as wax. I adore the process of carving and sculpting wax, so this is always a happy endeavor - if busy - for me. Check out what I’ve been working on below - it’s a sneak peek of what’s to come in solid 14k gold.
A golden comb fit for a mermaid
This season I found myself revisiting my trip to the South of France… this time, however, it was my own reimagined version of what once was. A more feminine-leaning tale of mermaids and sirens, of water and abundant fish and the spiraling crests of waves. Sapphic, voluptuous, and fertile. These themes come through in abstract ways in my work, of course, which allows every observer the chance to spin their own tale too.
Three guesses for what this will become…
A siren’s hook or a jewelry clasp?
The Embrace Earring
Spiraling out
NYC in the summertime has its own whole soul to it… it’s a sweaty, grimy, rawness that’s not for the fair weather traveler. Only die hards remain when the temps get up past 90. One could argue it’s New York in its most authentic state: 2am halal on the street corner, buzzing traffic and the drips of air conditioner condensation falling on your head; fellow revelers everywhere, wearing wild ensembles that no one bats an eye at. A few weeks ago, I had the joy of experiencing this version of NYC, and I’m sharing tiny glimpses of my trip below. It was a work-and-pleasure combo, and as always, creative inspiration in spades. Enjoy!
40th birthday dinner for my oldest and dearest friend Lauren <3
Makeup free city style is a must in the heat… and a one-and-done necklace look with the Anchored Chain.
Takeaways from artist Jenny Holzer at the Whitney Biennial, courtesy of my friend Bonnie Gregory
Stunning metalwork on a doorway
I highly recommend an evening at Company XIV in Bushwick
A scene from Company XIV’s burlesque show “Queen of Hearts”
More stunning burlesque at Company XIV… take note of the mermaid theme…
Dressed up for a night out. Wearing the Soft Body Venus Necklace, and Helix Hoops
Visiting chain vendors… stay tuned for what I found for fall ;)
Pride month in NYC… turns out this heart was designed by none other than Denver’s own Koko Bayer
If you can’t tell by the looks on our faces, we were pretty delighted to discover that Judd Apatow was the surprise headliner at the Comedy Cellar the evening we went
Daily goods, from front going clockwise: The Protective Eye Y Necklace, Anchored Chain, Portal Ring, Helix Hoops, Rollo Band, Linear Stud, Diamond Mini Orb Stud, and Conjunct Cigar Band.
Rule Gallery co-owner Valerie Santerli in the Growth Necklace on a silk cord, during our pop-up event at the gallery March 9th
It brings me so much joy to see my clients out in the wild, wearing their Talisman Fine Jewelry heirloom pieces. Not to mention the fun of seeing how everyone styles their jewelry differently - some with creative takes on pairing or placement that I never would have thought of! Hence the inspiration to start a new series on this here blog, which I will call Talisman in the Wild.
Today’s roundup for Talisman in the Wild includes friends and clients from recent spring trunk shows and events around town. I may have even thrown in a couple on-the-fly shots of me as I was out and about ;)
Anthony Duran in Talisman Fine Jewelry’s handmade Anchored Chain and the Delphi Ear Cuff at Rule Gallery
Fort Collins’ Tula Boutique staff models the Linear Threader earring at our March trunk show
Ashe Bowen rocking the Metanoia Chain and the Yin Yang Necklace at an event at Lowrider shop in Longmont, CO.
Me, en route to an Austin trunk show, wearing the Helix Hoops, Anchored Handmade Chain, and the Held Necklace.
MAX clothing stores’ own Annie Gutsch in her Skinny Flow Chain, which layers perfectly with her existing stack.
Caught a glimpse of master hairstylist Matthew Morris’ one-of-a-kind wedding band, which I custom made in varying versions for both he and his fiance. These hands were soon after busy working, chopping my hair into a new blunt cut!
Spotted at Fine Art Fruit in Portland, Oregon: Taeko Designs’ Corey in her Talisman Fine Jewelry Ouroboros thumb ring.
Also spotted at Fine Art Fruit in Portland: Saint Clair’s Scissors designer Emily Sinclair wearing her new Protective Eye Y Necklace! Such a powerful stack of necklaces.
Gussied up for a trunk show, wearing the Freyja Necklace and the Metanoia Chain, along with Helix Hoops, Delphi Ear Cuff, Infinite Huggie Hoops and Diamond Mini Orb Stud.
Models Karen Vega and Zentyatze Echeverria photographed by Eugenia Tinajero for MAX clothing stores
Recently my friends at MAX clothing stores had the enviable task of photographing their summer 2024 lookbook down in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Max, the man behind the boutique, lives there part time, and has a bevy of models, photographers, and other contacts at his disposal in the area. I was lucky enough that they wanted to include Talisman in this season’s shoot (good timing, since we’re about to drop a major delivery to their Cherry Creek Denver location!), and I couldn’t be more thrilled with the results. Shot at Casa Coa, a private residence by designers Maye Ruiz and Daniel Valero, with photographer Eugenia Tinajero, and models Karen Vega, Zentyatze Echeverria and Isabella Rochin, the elements of this shoot came together to produce a dream in deep jewel tones and rich textures, that speak to the centuries-old history of the city. Pardon me while I daydream about lounging in the heat of a San Miguel summer amidst this stunning locale. Peep below for more sneak peeks from this gorgeous shoot, featuring Talisman’s Sanguine Drop Earrings, Ra Pinky Signet, and Helix Hoops. Special thanks to Mecla Soyer and buyer Julie for bringing the jewels across the border ;)
Dunno about you, but these warmer temps are calling me to the dance floor (or, at least the dance floor of my studio lol). I came up with a little playlist for you accordingly, filled with summer-y, joyful jams that include African psych, house, synth rock, disco, and more…
While visiting Portland recently, I happened to stumble upon the absolute gem that is Passenger Seat Records. Some groovy beats down a hallway and around the corner from Proud Mary coffee called to me, and I had to follow. Inside was one of the most well-curated record shops I’ve seen to date. The owner was a super friendly lad who had plenty of reccos for me, and I’ve added a few of those tracks here too. Enjoy!
Fort Collins friends! Did you know that Talisman can now be found at Tula boutique? I’ll be there in the flesh this Thursday, with the full SS24 collection in tow. Please join us - there will be champagne, good vibes, and lots of gold to peruse (obviously).
Thursday, March 21st
12-6pm
@ Tula boutique - 1 Old Town Square, Suite 105, Fort Collins, CO
You know I love a good playlist! For those curious about what I’ve been listening to here at the studio as I work on your orders, I’ve conveniently rounded it all up into one handy-dandy bitesize set. Overall it’s a lowkey vibe, made for lounging hard, but don’t be fooled - there are some thumping dance numbers thrown in for good measure too. Think atmospheric electronic, psychedelic jazz (hey, I’m getting old, ok?), a little hip hop, and some of what I consider to be the classics… Yunno, Tom Tom Club, 90s era Air… Speaking of, did you hear that for the first time in almost a decade, the band Air is going on tour?! I, for one, cannot wait. Maybe I’ll catch you there. Until then, I hope you enjoy what I made below <3
Shooting outside of Charles Haertling’s 1960s “Boulder Eye Clinic” building with Matt Nager and Erika Rodriguez
Ideating on our SS24 campaign concept left me searching yet again for the perfect 1960s/1970s “bubble structure” for a location. I guess it’s a thing for Talisman. Luckily architect Charles Haertling left us with plenty of options in the Boulder area, and we were fortunate to have some connections (thanks Erica Simon!) to his iconic “Boulder Eye Clinic” building on Broadway. What I especially love about this building is the way its sculptural curves mimic the sculptural nature of Talisman’s jewelry. They seemed to be in conversation throughout our shoot, though this wasn’t the only storyline we had going…
Working with my trusty photographer Matt Nager, and our model Erika Rodriguez from Wilhelmina, we reimagined the office building as a crash landed space ship of sorts, with Erika graciously playing the part of our extraterrestrial being… decked out in lots of gold, of course. The result was, dare I say, otherworldly (ha).
Special shout outs are due to my friend Katie Miner, who helped me with styling day-of, as well as to Max clothing stores, Recital boutique, Common Threads Boulder, and COS for wardrobe.
Fun BTS fact: there was an active chiropractor’s office behind this mirrored window. Luckily they didn’t protest us shooting outside. Thanks guys!
Peep some behind-the-scenes footage of this super fun shoot, and then check out our final product here, along with all the newly released SS24 designs!
The jewels
The sky at Boyce Thompson Arboretum outside of Phoenix, AZ. Taken December 2023. A sign of shapes to come?
Well friends, this new year did not exactly start off with the bang I was expecting. First it was 2 weeks of Covid starting NYE, then it was getting trapped in the mountains for 5 days due to avalanches shutting down all outgoing roads, and then even a day of jury duty on top of it… it seems the universe has been telling (forcing?) me something, and I have no option but to acquiesce. So we’re getting a bit of a late start over here, but - as I am oftentimes wont to say - the journey is not always linear. Which funny enough, was a theme that repeatedly seemed to come up in my new SS24 sketches that I began working on this December. The spiral - a symbol of growth, the journey of life, and also a representation of the sacred geometry that underlies nature - is a favorite of mine, and found its way into my work once again. That, along with themes of death and rebirth, abound. So I’ll give you a little sneak peek of what I’ve been working on, now that I’m finally (hopefully?) back at my bench once again. There will still be some surprises, though, to be sure. Stay tuned as these hand-sculpted wax models turn into solid gold…
The Growth Necklace, in process as a wax carving. Originally inspired by some small shell remnants I found in Florida last year (thanks Jill!).
A wedding band to symbolize the journey and growth of two souls intertwined - unofficially called Danielle’s Band.
Beginnings of the Christ Consciousness Necklace. Who better to represent the concept of rebirth than the man Jesus himself?
Zoe’s Heart Necklace. This one was personal - for my beloved dog Zoe who passed away last August. To be worn as a reminder that those you love will always be in your heart, and to have a little piece of their love with you.
Ouroboros Ring. Need I say more?
We see you, procrastinators, and we are here for you. While the deadline to receive any made-to-order items in time for Xmas has passed, there’s still a slew of goodies on the website that are in-stock and ready-to-ship. Here’s a roundup of some of my personal favs, which are guaranteed to please even the pickiest of folk.
The Conjunct Ring
The Conjunct Ring was a new addition this season, and I love its ergonomic, fluid asymmetry. It’s wonderful alone, but also works well in a stack, which makes it an easy gift for those who like to add to their collection of stacked bands.
The Skinny Flow Chain
Hands-down, a shimmering gold herringbone chain looks elegant draped over a bare collarbone. While I love the full-size and mid-size versions too, the Skinny Flow Chain is a perfect everyday piece that adds a lovely amount of shine to your look without being over the top, even at the gym. Also perfect layered with multiple necklaces, making it a no-brainer gift.
The Aphrodite Hugs
These are, in all honesty, my everyday earrings. The Aphrodite Hugs are comfortable enough to leave in for weeks on end, but statement-making enough to make me feel dressed up in just a t-shirt and jeans. I just love them, and I think your recipient will too.
The Petite Linear Stud
You literally cannot go wrong with bar studs. Everyone needs a pair - they’re easy, great for multiple piercings, and convey a certain sense of geometric, minimalist elegance. The Petite Linear Stud is my latest version for FW23, in a slightly more micro size than its full-size Linear Stud sibling. An excellent choice for anyone on a budget who still prefers to gift heirloom-quality pieces.
The Orbit Bracelet
The Orbit Bracelet is another newbie for FW23, and has already been wildly popular. The interlocking hook clasp means it stays securely on the wrist, and I find that many like to leave it on, and/or stack it with their existing arm candy. It’s truly the perfect everyday bracelet.
Infinite Hoops
A budget-friendly no-brainer, the Infinite Hoops are a fool-proof gift option in heirloom-quality 14k gold. Wearers can leave these puppies in for months and never take them out. Pro tip for those with multiple piercings: stack with the mid-size and huggie versions ascending up the earlobe for an ultra 90s punk look.
The Held Necklace
Last but definitely not least, I decided to make one of my personal favorites - the Held Necklace - for last-minute holiday gifting. Juuuuust in case the one you love has been really deserving this year. This piece is all about being reminded that the universe is always holding us, through all the trials and tribulations. What better year to have a reminder of that, no?
We’re back with our favorite Austinites: the aptly-named Good Company shop, of course. This is the last opportunity of the year to shop Talisman IRL, and I’ll have OOAK pieces, brand new items, and all the best-sellers. If you’re in the Austin, Texas area, please come see us:
Friday, December 15th, 11am - 6pm @ Good Company on 12th Street
Saturday, December 16th, 11am - 6pm @ Good Company on South Congress
Coming in hot with a little taste of the latest and greatest in music that I’ve been jamming out to while I work in the studio this season… In the true spirit of fall, this playlist is a little moodier, and a little more introverted - perfect for a cozy night in, or a chilly, bundled-up evening out. As per usual, a mashup of rock, synth pop, shoegaze, and electronic, along with some purely vibey, instrumental tracks thrown in. Enjoy!
Photo by Alex Medvick
Hard to believe it’s already “that time of year” again, but here we are, first snowstorm and all! I’m thrilled to be participating in a Holiday Pop-Up Market at the Cherry Hills Country Club, hosted by Helm Weaver Helm, benefitting the Alzheimer’s Association. This market will have a wide assortment of giftable, artisan goods, including handmade heirloom jewels from yours truly. 10% of our sales will go to Alzheimer’s research. Details are as follows:
Wednesday, November 29th
1-6pm
Free and open to all - not just members of the club!
Please help spread the word, and invite friends… I hope to see all my Denver folks there! Please also note there is a dress code at the country club, and no blue jeans are permitted.
XX,
Vanessa
An open, and mostly vacant, stairway at the Evans School building in Denver. Currently home to artists and creatives, for now.
Photographer Matt Nager and model Vanessa Luka getting a close-up ear shot at the Evans School studio of Sam Grabowska and Erin McAllister
Deciding on the location for Talisman’s next lookbook photoshoot is always an exciting creative challenge. Each season the look and feel of the brand is greatly influenced by our campaign concept, composition and color palette, and thus, by extension, where that campaign was shot. For FW23, the idea struck me to ask some artist friends about taking over their studio space at the Evans School in Denver for an afternoon… I had spent some time in this incredibly special, once-abandoned school building, and was immediately struck by the energy of the place. Having only recently been offered to a handful of artists for use as studio rentals, this glorious building - full of tall windows and insanely intricate copper railings - sat empty since the 1970s, quietly falling into decay just across the street from the Denver Art Museum. These days, however, the vibe at the Evans School is something else. Sculptors, painters, photographers and the like are using the classrooms - heck, even the old auditorium - to ideate, create and collaborate with one another. Tiny DIY galleries have popped up to showcase the work of folks making art next door. In my estimation, one of the most beautiful things about this space, aside from the building itself, seems to be the fact that there is a definite ambiance of - dare I use the cliched word - synergy and co-inspiration happening among the artists at work there.
Utilizing raw materials from artist Sam Grabowska’s sculpture work as a backdrop for Talisman’s new FW23 designs
None of the residents know how long this gem will last… word has it that the building may be purchased by developers to be remade into a luxury hotel in the near future. And, as sad as that may be (although it has the makings for a beautiful hotel, no doubt), somehow the limited-time aspect of the whole scene - this permeating feeling of uncertainty - lends it a bit of Chelsea Hotel-type magic. Something that is at once almost outside of time and space itself, and yet is entirely ephemeral. To be certain, it is a Time and a Place, in Denver, Colorado, 2023.
Knowing that the opportunity to do something in this magical space might be limited, then, it seemed that the time was right for a photoshoot there. The goal for the shoot, as far as I could see it, was simply to capture some of the magic that is happening behind closed doors at 1115 Acoma Street, and by extension, to delve into the raw materials and processes of some of the artists at play there. A statement, if you will, about how creative imagination can turn raw, even seemingly strange objects into entire worlds of beauty.
Matt Nager shoots a still life scene on Sam Grabowska’s desk. Styling and creative direction by myself, Vanessa Barcus.
Thankfully for Talisman, my dear friend Erin McAllister and her Evans School studio mate, Sam Grabowska, were happy to oblige. So my trusty photog Matt Nager and I were given access to their studio, and all of its gloriously weird objects and supplies. Erin is a fiber and textile artist who also paints on occasion. Her work is as vibrant and colorful and explosive as she is. Sam is a sculptor and multi-media artist whose highly-conceptual work speaks to themes of creating space, in both a literal and psychological sense, as well as themes of safety, trauma healing, and care. Through both artists we found a rich assortment of tactile, textural raw materials to use as a backdrop for Talisman’s latest designs. Another friend, Vanessa Luka, graciously lent her beautiful ears and hands to be photographed in what was otherwise a mostly still-life shoot.
Take a peek behind the scenes here of our day at the Evans School… In the near future, you may just see the scraps and materials we used in our photos come together in one of these two artists’ upcoming work.
Artist Erin McAllister shows us around the studio
XX,
Vanessa
It’s that time of year again… the fall Found Collective market is happening in Boulder on Saturday, September 9th at the Dairy Arts Center. As per usual, I’m super excited not only to hang with so many of my friends in one place - who also happen to be some of the most talented designers and artisans in Colorado, no less - but I also can’t wait to finally unveil some of the new fall pieces I’ve been hard at work on. Come see me and scope out designs like my brand new, entirely handmade Anchored Chain, the Orbit Collar and Orbit Bracelet, the wonderfully chunky new Conjunct Cigar Band and its pair the Conjunct Ring, and so much more. Entry is $5, but is SO worth it, between the amazing food, music, and the best curation of vendors this side of the front range. See you there!
July and August are the months in which I’m busy dreaming up new designs to be unveiled in the fall. What begins as a sketch, and then a wax carving, slowly morphs into solid gold. You’ll have to use your imagination to picture these rough models as the final product in glistening 14k, but I still thought it might be fun to give my clients a little sneak peek into what I’ve been working on. This is by no means a comprehensive group… there are a few more tricks up my sleeve that will be released when they’re ready, for the record.
The Conjunct Cigar Band and Conjunct Ring are designed to pair together, but can just as easily be worn separately. I’m absolutely in love with them… it took a bit of trial and error to get the asymmetry and leaning angles just right.
This season I found myself increasingly called to create more streamlined, simple shapes that felt like the daily essentials that the collection was missing. Really, I was just getting back to the core of what Talisman Fine Jewelry is all about - everyday heirloom jewelry that still feels sacred and sculptural. Ok, maybe with a wilder piece or two mixed in, because I’m still an artist and I have to express myself as such. Scroll on for a taste of what’s to come.
More views of the Conjunct Cigar Band and Conjunct Ring in wax, before casting into solid, recycled 14k gold.
The conjunction of the Conjunct Cigar Band and Conjunct Ring, hehe
A very pudgy Delphi Ear Cuff. I imagined this as something the Oracle of Delphi would wear while she divinates for her patrons.
Soon to be a hoop… a pair for the Helix Ring.
This piece is artful and a little wild, called the Central Sun Ring… it’s a piece that’s been a long time coming, swimming in my head as a possibility for a year or more. She pairs with the Central Sun Earrings.
Almost finished… these are the Orbit Collar and the Orbit Bracelet, getting ready for final polishing. They’re truly everyday, heirloom pieces. Add charms if you desire, or just wear them alone for a minimalist statement in solid 14k gold. The hooks click shut when you put them on - a sound that I find to be very satisfying.
