We had the good fortune of connecting with Rachel Duane and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rachel, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I like to think of risk taking as enrichment. Spending time on exploring new materials, meeting new people/networking, even taking time to do things that don’t have anything to do with my craft, is never time wasted. There is a lot of pressure to do more or be something, and taking time to explore other avenues, people, places and things can pose risk or challenge, especially in terms of time. Sometimes, I purchase random materials to play with that I think are fun, also I never throw anything away, and may not use them right away, but investing and investigating are never a waste, but can be a risk. If we take the fear of failure out of risk, it is simply a journey, and there is always room for new and more information. Trial and error is also never a waste.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I had never created 3-D work until the end of high school where I had taken sculpture and jewelry as a means to get away from painting and drawing (no shade to 2-D artists). That’s what was missing- the third dimension! I didn’t start making jewelry until my early twenties after I picked up a book on chainmaille and taught myself a few simple weave patterns. Over the next 10 years, I created HABIT- an inclusive jewelry brand for everyday wear (meaning simple pieces for everyone, to be worn with everyday looks). The name I chose for my active work comes from the definition of “habit” which can be referred to as “a garment worn by someone who dedicates their life to spiritual practice”. Thats how I feel about my own practice- it is spiritual, and I am dedicated (for better or for worse). It is also a five-letter word which, as an odd number, I find aesthetically pleasing. The word plays on habitual or repetitive action, which is tied to the act of weaving chainmaille, and also the continuation of artistic practice, learning and growth.
I started doing pop-ups at local raves and night-time events, collaborated with other artists and models, created custom works, and eventually was welcomed to host my jewelry in local Montrose shop Jardin.
Over the years I have focused on maintaining a level of sustainability by purchasing or using majority second-hand and up-cycled materials including yarn, fabric, found objects, belt buckles, old necklaces, and pendants, to add to chains made from stainless steel, brass, sterling silver and gold. I have also incorporated knitted wear, resin, clay, beading, and metal cut-outs made from my own stencils to create wearable sculpture and jewelry.
Toward the end of 2023, I decided to take a break from pop-ups and most commissions to do what I like to call “mindless making”, which for me includes making whatever comes to mind based on the materials I have in my studio. For 2024, I want to take a ceramics class and plan an artistic move out of Houston to go back to school and be inspired by a new surroundings.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If any one is visiting from out of town, I usually take them to Mala Sichuan Bistro in Montrose, Trader’s Village, and Numbers, as well as thrift stores outside of the loop, the museums, and Catalina for coffee.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a few people that come to mind in my community that continue to inspire and encourage me: My best friend Rachel McLaughlin, fellow artist, who keeps it real by being honest with me when it comes to what works and what doesn’t. I always go to her first for an opinion. Also a few artists in the Houston scene that are always supportive are Brat, who referred Shout Out to me, is such a bad b*tch and very cool creator; Lori Munoz of Lorita Makes- an amazing ceramicist and one of my close friends; and of course the hardworking individuals who put on markets, pop-ups, and other events over the years where I began putting my work out into the world.

Website: habithabit.bigcartel.com

Instagram: @h_a_b_i_t

Other: habittibah@gmail.com

Image Credits
Models: Xochi Mireles and Lexi Landolt

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