Wedged between two buildings on 10th Street is a narrow, but enticing, jewelry shop featuring handmade creations from fine artist Laura Lobdell. The setting is bucolic: the shop is framed by the lovely floral arrangements of Victoria Singolda, owner of Iris & Vigil, and Laura’s dog, Enzo, is often running around nearby (Laura chuckled when he made an appearance - “That’s my assistant”).
Lobdell left California to attend the School of Visual Arts in New York and decided to showcase her masterpieces here in 2008. Her trinkets are all made from common objects, including guitar picks, bubble wands, or, her signature medium, champagne cages, from which she crafts rings, necklaces, cufflinks, and other imaginative pieces. With regard to her fascination with these objects, Laura told us, “Everything has a story, or a possibility of narrative. A bubble wand can mean something personal to you.” The champagne cages specifically are used as a metaphor for celebration, and have been purchased for any number of purposes, from personally monogrammed proposal rings to anniversary and wedding gifts. “It’s an honor as an artist and a creator to share in people’s celebrations and stories,” Laura shared. The bubbly imagery can be found throughout the store, with “champagne” birdcages hanging from the ceiling and what Laura refers to as “the secret message on the floor,” which is patterned in the shape of a champagne cage.
As to her unique spot, Lobdell remarked, “The location honestly chose me - I never thought I would have a store. Over nine years, I’ve watched people grow up. There was a little girl who used to come in with a knot on her head and I just watched her give a speech at her graduation from Harvard.” She also notes the significance of small businesses to the cultural landscape of the city, “Mom and Pop businesses give New York a very special character, and it’s an experience you can’t have everywhere.” Laura herself certainly provides this distinct experience with an artistry that not only catches the eye, but also has personal significance and a story.