We’re excited to shine a spotlight on Brandi Couvillion, an artist whose handcrafted, historically inspired jewelry can be found in Studio 209 here at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. For the past 12 years, Brandi has been transforming raw sheets of metal into wearable art, often inspired by the architectural details and historic maps of her beloved hometown of New Orleans. Her work captures the essence of forgotten histories and weaves them into intricate jewelry.
Brandi recently achieved two major milestones: being accepted into the 2024 American Craft’s Council Directory of Artists, and being named a DC Commission of Arts and Humanities Fellow. The fellowship recognizes the impact of individual artists within the District and supports their contributions to the local community.
“Being accepted as a DC Commission of Arts and Humanities Fellow is an honor,” Brandi shared. “I feel my artistic pursuits have been recognized as a valuable contribution to the cultural landscape of the District. This fellowship provides me with the resources and support to continue my work and elevate the artistic vitality of our community.”
As part of her recognition by the American Craft Council, Brandi participated in an online pop-up shop from September 9 to 22, where collectors and craft enthusiasts could explore and purchase her pieces. “I’m humbled to be part of the American Craft Council,” Brandi said, reflecting on joining a community that includes past instructors she has admired for years.
For Brandi, connection is at the heart of her work. “The past is always present,” she explained, hoping her jewelry evokes a sense of belonging and connection to place in those who view or wear her pieces. One such piece is her Confluence necklace, inspired by a 1928 archival map of the meeting of the Potomac and Anacostia rivers. The piece embodies the spirit of unity, capturing “the moment where the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers embrace, cradling the heart of the District of Columbia.”
But being a one-woman enterprise comes with its challenges. Like many small business owners, Brandi balances the creative process with the demands of running her business—creating, modeling, photographing, managing a website, and marketing her work. Despite the challenges, she remains inspired by her surroundings and the ever-evolving natural and urban landscapes that fuel her art. “I find the biggest obstacle to my creative ideas are the limits of time,” she admits, but she remains excited about future projects.
Recently awarded a $5,000 grant from the Etsy Uplift Fund, Brandi plans to use the funds to explore new materials and techniques, pushing the boundaries of her craft.
Whether you’re visiting her studio in person or browsing her website online, Brandi’s work is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the intersection of history, craftsmanship, and personal storytelling. Although her online pop-up shop has now closed, you can visit her in Studio 209 here at the Art Center to view or purchase her work!