Danyel Jones and Rob Heller are Planet ert, offering “elegantly up-cycled ornamentation for today’s extraordinary women.” Many of the pieces in Planet ert’s line of earrings, pendants and more incorporate bicycle-themed elements or even reclaimed bike chain links, spoke nipples, and other small parts into the designs.
PBE What’s your title/job description?
DJ: My title is Sales & Marketing Manager for Planet Ert. Rob is the artist of our team. I’m responsible for seeking out opportunities to present the work, as well as, interacting with wholesale and retail clients. Selling makes me very happy 🙂 I love to see our pieces go to the right home. Extraordinary women are everywhere!
PBE Where/how did you get your training in metalwork/jewelry arts?
RH: My background with metal started in AZ with classes from Coconino Community College, where I became fairly proficient with oxy acetylene and arc welding. When I moved to NYC in 2004, space for such endeavors became scarce and so I lowered my temperature and took up soldering and piercing; I took classes at the 92nd St. Y in metal smithing and several classes at Brooklyn Metal Works.
PBE Were bicycle-themed elements always part of your designs?
My art for the longest time has been related to the ‘singularity of scrap’ and the potential story, the inherent frugality, and efficient beauty of the up-cycle. The scrap left over from a bike shop is abundant and cool. The profile and shape of a bicycle and the pieces of, are instantly recognizable to one who loves the ride of the pedal push.
PBE Where do you find inspiration?
I am inspired by all those that ride. I believe that more bicycles in any city makes said city instantly better; safer streets, cleaner air, happy and healthier citizenry… win, win, win…
PBE What’s your favorite part of the design and/or construction process?
I think ‘the doing informs’ the making of shapes, and the chance to play, in-order to find new compositions of previously explored possibilities, is the excitement of the creative process…
PBE What’s your favorite ride/route/destination?
I love playing in traffic; the fountain loops of the Oval of the Art museum and Logan circle, and around City hall, are places that should not be scary to be a human being, and I love to be very human within the mix…
Do you listen to music while you work? If yes, what kind?
I listen to two Pandora stations; yoga workout: lots of Wax Tailor, Beats Antique, and Marian Hill. And an Ani Difranco/Beastie Boys mix station. I also listen to NPR and affiliated podcasts…
