Where are you answering this interview from and what is your current state of mind?

I waited until a Sunday morning to sit down with these answers. At home, comfortable with my dog Zira at my feet, and a café in hand. I feel at ease yet anxious all at the same time- this is how my mind works. I know the storm will follow a calm day.

If you went back to the very beginning of Colby Byrd’s life what would be the earliest thing that might suggest who he is today?

Many thoughts come to my mind. Which also suggest that I am an overthinker. Of course, the easy answer would be my family’s influence and encouragement to live a life of opportunities and love. But what I think back on are the imaginary friends I had as a child, seems odd but these voices I talked to in my head were actually the beginning of my creative mind. I would get lost in their world innocently without judgement but also deeply as a security to maybe mask my own insecurities. This might not answer who I am today but it is something I look back on and think of as one of my first outlets of creativity.

You have recently collaborated with fashion designer Sabato Russo based in Milan and the Italian band Stunt Pilots, can you share an insight into these projects, how did it all come about?

Yes, late 2021 I had the honor of working with Sabato Russo by designing a small collection of jewelry for his Fall 2022 collection. This collection featured many elements true to my brand while giving respect to the garments that debuted during Milano Fashion Week in the Spring of 2022. The collaboration allowed me to explore more in the world of fashion from one of the best and gave many new opportunities for my jewelry. Sabato pushed me to not only be a better designer but more aware within my brand. During this time in Milano I separately met with musician and songwriter, Zo Vivaldi to help style a music video. This lead to creating custom jewelry for Stunt Pilots and a lasting friendship with the band. Zo, Emanuele, and Moonet have inspired my designs in a new way and it’s always an adventure with them. I am looking forward to watching all they do in the future and honored to have Shelton Metal apart of their journey!

Do you remember the first piece you designed? Could you describe it for us?

The first piece I designed as a metalsmith I can recall very well. This was a shift for me as an artist because up until this point I designed unknowingly of what my true passion of focus was within the vast choices of the creative world. Studying metalsmithing allowed my mind to create dimensional objects, wearable sculptures that required creativity and problem solving skills. It was 2010, I hand forged a piece of raw silver using different hammers to learn the textures, weights, and functions. Then, I measured the area to cut with a jewellers saw, filing the edges, forming the shape, and soldering into my first ring. My mother wears this sterling silver ring today. I look at it now with pride, noticing the hammer marks in a uniformed yet organic pattern mimicking coral, or something of the sea.

I can feel from your past interviews and your designs that you have a special connection with Mediterranean culture and aesthetics. Why did you pick Italy as a starting point for your career as a jewelry designer?

I was first drawn to Italy for the experience of learning metalsmithing and jewelry design but quickly found out that was just a fraction of what kept me coming back. The people, the connections I have made, and the genuine support has changed my life. Over 10 years ago I began my journey studying in the Tuscan region, while traveling throughout the country for inspiration. It wasn’t just the detail in fashion or the beauty of the land or the food, it was a connection I often cannot put into words. The hard working mentality while balancing the tranquility of appreciating life has been something I have tried to withhold, but I only feel while in Italy. As a designer, I have to have that balance to create and move forward. Italy and the people of Italy gave me the confidence to start Shelton Metal.