Janeen St. Louis has been creating jewelry for over a decade that started with the passing of her grandmother. She works primarily with natural, raw and organically recycled materials. She appreciates their textures, colors, shapes and imperfections. Materials that are imperfect and underutilized, provide the artist a familiar window through which she can relate her own personal journey and style through life.
Particularly inspired by the presence of ancient Egypt, as well as her African and Native American Ancestry, Janeen does not limit or characterize her jewelry. The pieces that she creates evolve into an “experience”; offering a narrative of emotions using materials that are reflective of the African Diaspora. Her inspiration is also a reflection of Mother Nature; a deep seated gift to be in tune with nature and one that she does not take for granted.
She has done various arts and craft shows throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Her work has been sold in numerous boutiques in Miami, Cambridge, Martha’s Vineyard, Boston, including the Museum of African American History on Beacon Hill. Janeen has created custom pieces for Award winning actress, musician and TV personality, Queen Latifah; Massachusetts First Lady, Diane Patrick; Grammy Nominated R&B group, Les Nubians as well as Self publisher and Author, Shahrazad Ali.
An innovator for economic empowerment, growth and resource, Janeen is also known to do charitable work with her jewelry. “I feel if you have a skill that makes money, use it to raise money!”. She has donated custom pieces for auction to women and girls wellness organizations along with relief efforts towards Haiti, homelessness, education, addiction and trauma programs along with individual projects and platforms that bring awareness to the lack of accessibility of resources, economic disparities and projects that enlighten thought and action on how to manifest growth for African Americans.
Janeen’s pieces, known as “THE ST. LOUIS COLLECTION”, present a refreshing radiance and sophistication that takes its own form shaped by what she is feeling. The simplicity of combinations with unique stones, minerals and raw recycled materials; blended together to create a presence. A sort of “personality” in the form of a piece of jewelry.
Media Gallery
Double-strand necklace is beaded with White Agate, Brass, Swarovski Crystals, Garnet from India, recycled Glass beads from Indonesia, Trade beads from Ghana and Ethiopia with Llama toenails from Ecuador that was originally used as a musical instrument.Beaded with Swarovski Crystals, Bamboo beads, Copper, Amazonite, Garnet from India, Trade beads from Ghana, Brass with Chauk Turquoise.Triple-strand necklace is beaded with Lava Rocks, Rose Quartz, Copper, Brass, Jasper, recycled Glass and Brass beads from Ghana, Vinyl, Wood Agate, Garnet from India with Glass beads from Indonesia.Triple-strand necklace is beaded with Horn Pipes, Sea Glass, Garnet from India, Bamboo beads, vinyl, Brass, Trade beads from Ghana with Glass beads from Indonesia.Double-strand necklace is beaded with Pink Opal, Swarovski Crystals, Shells, Brass, Trade beads from Ghana with Rhondolite beads.Double-strand necklace is beaded with Tagua Nut beads from Peru, Moss Agate, Horn Pipes, Copper, Sea Glass and Brass.
