AZUL MARTINEZ

AZUL MARTINEZ

INTERVIEWS

Feb 22

Written By Clara Truong

Moonset Magazine catches up with Azul Martinez (they/them), artist and creator of jewelry project LOVED✧PROTECTED.

To don a piece of jewelry from LOVED✧PROTECTED is to put on an intimate, self-contained work of art, born from feelings of intense grief or deep joy.

Since its conception in 2020, LOVED✧PROTECTED has been creator Azul Martinez’s way of working through emotions, making beautiful things and forging a stronger connection with their community. Martinez, a queer, agender Mexican artist based in Oakland, CA, chooses not to consider LOVED✧PROTECTED a brand, but something rather more personal — a labor of love, a harbinger of hope.

MOONSET: How did LOVED✧PROTECTED come to be?

Azul Martinez: The project began in the summer of 2020 when I was living on this very special (and very radioactive) place called Treasure Island. The power would often go out in the residential areas due to the extremely old infrastructure there, so I had to find a way to occupy myself without the Internet. As a self-identifying DIY bitch, I started doing repairs on jewelry I already owned. I wanted to make use of materials I had in my possession and repurpose them.

MOONSET: How did your upbringing turn you into the artist, creator and businessperson you are today?

AM: I was raised by a single mother in a low-income family. I was very aware of my class and financial status as a child (and as the eldest “daughter” in a Mexican household). When I first started LOVED✧PROTECTED, I definitely priced my pieces lower that I should have. I don’t make much money from it, despite it being my sole source of income. Still, I make it a point in my work to give back to my community because mutual aid is an important part of this project. I would not be here if it were not for the care my community has extended towards me. I do a monthly community offering of a jewelry piece where 100% of the proceeds go towards Black and Brown* trans people who need support that month. 

MOONSET: Where do you get your inspiration?

AM: Mostly from video games, if I’m being honest. Final Fantasy, Breath of the Wild and KHII are some that I can think of off the top of my head.

MOONSET: How would you describe the LOVED✧PROTECTED aesthetic?

AM: Sexy end-game boss or a beloved villain.

MOONSET: What is your creative process?

AM: I don’t always have a goal in mind of what I want a piece to look like. I try to invoke a feeling or an event when creating a piece and go from there. Many of my creations were birthed from periods of deep grief. 

MOONSET: How do you manage your mental health while running a business?

AM: This is the hardest part of my job. I wish I could share a helpful answer, but I’m still struggling to manage it. I suffer from numerous chronic illnesses and it can be challenging when customers hold small businesses to the same expectations as they do large fast-fashion businesses with extensive production machinery. I do not have a team to assist me with production or shipping and it can take a toll on my physical and mental health. I try to extend grace to myself and hope others can do the same.

MOONSET: Were there any big surprises or challenges you encountered?

AM: I forget that in order to create a client base you must also maintain an online presence. I can be a bit of a hermit and want to go off the grid, but unfortunately I have rent to pay.

MOONSET: How do the people in your life react to LOVED✧PROTECTED?

AM: I am lucky to be very supported by my loved ones! My mom is such a fan and is also very supportive of my friends’ endeavors as well.

MOONSET: What’s something you’re proud of? It can be related to LOVED✧PROTECTED or to life in general.

AM: A lot of designers that I admire follow my business page and I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of them. I don’t consider myself to be “up there” so these little wins feel huge!

MOONSET: Any favorite pieces you’ve been making and wearing lately?

AM: Don’t tell anyone, but I’m working on a collaboration with one of my absolute favorite designers which should be released soon… ironically, I don’t wear much jewelry as a jewelry designer, but I’m always wearing theirs. They can be found at @b.ithildin on IG.

MOONSET: What are your hopes for the future? What are you looking forward to these days?

NJ: I started taking metalsmithing classes late last year, and I’m just excited to learn a new craft and skill for future projects! I also hope for joy to return for myself and my loved ones. Hope is a discipline.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

*Moonset has made the conscious decision to follow the lead of other independent publications in capitalizing “Brown” to show consideration for those who recognize and identify with its socially-defined meanings.

INTERVIEWER CLARA TRUONG

IMAGES AZUL MARTINEZ