At the Rust Belt Market: Shionne Designs

The offers a unique experience for patrons as well as vendors. The new art market is host to more than 60 artists every weekend. Each week, Patch will feature one artist and get a closer view of what the heck they do.

Ferndale Patch: Who are you and what do you do?

Vershion Young: I started Shionne Designs in May of 1996.  I always wanted to do something creative, but I didn't know it would lead to jewelry design.

Ferndale Patch: How did you get your start?

Young: A floral designer I worked for also made jewelry and I thought that jewelry design would be a creative outlet for me.  She turned me on to bead resources around town and I was hooked.  I just really wanted to make jewelry for myself and family members, but once my sister started selling my jewelry off her body, I knew I had to pursue this art.  In the past 15 years, I've sold my designs to galleries and boutiques in the metro Detroit area, Chicago and Atlanta.  Also, I have exhibited my jewelry at several shows including Arts, Beats and Eats, Wyandotte Street Art Fair, People's Art Fair, Concert of Colors, Dally in the Alley, Shecky's Girls Night Out (Chicago and Southampton), and just too many more to name.

Ferndale Patch: What inspires you?

Young: So many things inspire me -- nature, architecture, current fashion trends, even lyrics in a song.  I never duplicate my work, so no one thing speaks to me and inspire my designs.

Ferndale Patch: What is it about the Rust Belt that attracted you to it?

Young: Rust Belt provides a purely creative atmosphere that is inspiring and fun.  Artisans working together on a common goal -- promoting art in the community.  I love my Rust Belt home and appreciate Chris and Tiffany Best's drive and courage to develop this venue, when others, such as the state of Michigan, are constantly cutting funding for the arts.  I'm going to do all I can to keep that Rust Belt roof over my head.  Artists at Rust Belt are very approachable and friendly, ready to help each other promote their works, and promote Rust Belt as the destination place for handcrafted art and vintage-ware in metro Detroit.

Ferndale Patch: Tell us one thing about your work that would surprise us.

Young: I never work from a pattern or use a bead board.  Some people work from a pattern or particular design, but I just go where the stones take me -- I just vibe it.

I've never had any formal training, but I am currently studying for my degree in Gemology from the Gemological Institute of America.

Shionne Designs is a regular vendor at Rust Belt Market. Stop by to see the fantastic jewelry this weekend! You can also view Shionne Design jewelry pieces at www.shionnedesign.com.