Suzy Landa discusses Pat Flynn’s work

By Irina Hawkins

Suzy Landa (left), owner of Suzy Landa, is a Los-Angeles-bred designer who now handcrafts her “timeless statement pieces” in New York City. Landa’s work offers a modern take on the vivacious designs of the 1960s and ’70s that influence her aesthetic. Her pieces begin with a stone, which inspires the direction of the design, and feature warm alloys and satin finishes that accentuate the gems. Yet, the designer whose work she most admires is one whose work is very different from her own: Pat Flynn. A goldsmith who lives and works in High Falls, New York, Flynn is interested in the juxtaposition of unlike materials in organic forms. His pieces are hand forged and often incorporate fused 22k gold on iron, or merge steel and diamonds or gold and steel.]

How did you discover Pat Flynn?

A storeowner to whom I sold my collection many years ago wore Flynn’s bracelets as part of her everyday jewelry ensemble. She had a strong, commanding personality and an incredibly cool look about her—a perfect combination of funky and elegant, and the jewelry seemed tailor-made for her.

Which elements of his designs draw you in? Why?

Flynn’s work is a marriage of opposites: The weight and strength of iron softened by the addition of scattered little diamonds or a spray of bright yellow gold. Using such few elements, he created a distinct signature style; the work is instantly identifiable as his.

Do you have a favorite piece or collection of his?

I love his iconic nail bracelets [which combine blackened iron with 18k or 22k gold, 18k palladium white gold, diamonds, and pearls], likely because they were my first introduction to his work, and several friends of mine wear and love them. I’m attracted to the seeming incongruity of iron and gold/diamonds that produces a fusion of power and femininity. In jewelry, feminine is too often associated with delicate and lightweight. Not so for Pat Flynn!

What about Flynn’s design aesthetic seems challenging? Surprising?

Flynn is equal parts blacksmith and jeweler. I admire the visual simplicity of the pieces, but I suspect that the metal forging and diamond setting into iron/steel is challenging; and the mechanics (hinges, locks, clasps) are quite complex in their construction. A clean, streamlined aesthetic is always more difficult to pull off successfully than a fussy one; and ironically, “simple” is often anything but.

How is his work similar to yours?

The only similarity between our respective styles is the lack of extra elements to the pieces. Every design choice feels necessary and deliberate and not over-produced.

How is his work different from yours?

Our work couldn’t be more different, actually. I’ve never worked in metals other than 18k and platinum, and black is never a color one would associate with my collection.