Kaminer Haislip’s silver and copper Poppy Bowls and silver Charleston Rice Spoon are being carried by the Houston, TX based lifestyle brand The Pink House, a subdivision of Lanson B Jones Landscape Architecture. Curated by former Charleston resident Megan Chandler, read her interview with Kaminer below! You can also see the full feature and Kaminer’s products at https://www.lbjfloral-events.com/blogs/news/vendor-spotlight-kamier-haislip-17
PH: We’ve recently launched our online boutique. This boutique is a collection of pieces that I personally use and have uses for when it comes to anything “entertaining,” “hosting” or “gifting.” These are the pieces I see as having value to creating a very curated life.
Each vendor whose pieces I have chosen in our boutique is a talented artisan. I want to share with you why each is so special, and I’m starting with famed silversmith, Kaminer Haislip. Kaminer’s work can be found featured in Forbes, Architectural Digest, Traditional Home, Garden and Gun, Elle Décor, Southern Living and in Reese Witherspoon’s famed Nashville boutique, Draper James. I am so are beyond thrilled to bring her decadent work to Texas and share a little bit about her with you!
PH: Kaminer, where are you from?
KH: Aiken, SC
PH: Tell our readers, as a Southern hostess, what are your must haves when hosting a gathering?
KH: Silver and lots of it! Silver serving pieces such as condiment spoons, appetizer forks, cheese knives, spreaders, serving spoons, and salad servers are a must. Silver vases for flowers make a lovely presentation and silver trays and bowls for serving food looks stunning!
Kaminer’s Charleston Rice spoon, featured above, is one of our favorite wedding gifts, and serving pieces in the boutique!
PH: Using your silver pieces when hosting a party makes me want to plan an elegant soiree right now! So many of these pieces inspire me; what inspires you?
KH: My silversmithing designs are inspired by the interaction with functional objects and traditional techniques. My themes vary for different series, but all of my work is unified by elegant and timeless design. My original designs are not steered by fashion or trends and are created with exceptional craftsmanship. Recent inspiration includes coral reefs from my scuba diving experiences, birds, ancient jewelry pieces such as torcs and annular brooches, and flowers such as the poppy and calla lily.
PH: I love that you draw inspiration from flowers! As I’m sure you know, blooms are a huge source of what drives my creativity. What’s your favorite flower?
KH: The poppy flower is my favorite flower due to its representation and inspiration to WWI veterans. They adopted the poppy as a symbol of strength despite its delicate appearance after seeing it grow and survive in the war torn fields of Europe.
PH: I love that, and I love how much thought you put into each piece you make. I know you take such pride in your work. How did you get started in your career?
KH: I grew up in my family’s hardware and appliance business in Aiken, SC, which spurred my interest in tools and making things. I became enthusiastic about jewelry and sculpture in high school and went to Winthrop University for my BFA in Jewelry and Metals. My major professor, Alfred Ward, is a British silversmith from London, so I learned all of the traditional silversmithing techniques from him. After graduating with my MFA in Silversmithing also from Winthrop University, I moved to Charleston and started my business.
PH: I miss Charleston everyday, especially in the summer! In the spirit of sweet-summertime, I’m dreaming of my next vacation. Where are you headed next?
KH: TBD, because my husband Matt and I have just begun a massive renovation to our home in downtown Charleston, and it is consuming all of our free time right now!
PH: Well, you hardly need to travel living in Charleston and being beachside! What are you reading on the beach this summer?
KH: I have a hard time concentrating on books at the beach, so I like to read magazines. I read a lot and subscribe to W, Newsweek, Travel + Leisure, Charleston Mercury, and Charleston Magazine. It is fun to share magazines and interesting articles with friends while hanging out on the beach!
While the silver poppy bowl can’t be used beachside, it can be used to display amazing fresh summer snacks!
PH: Finally, Kaminer, I have to know, because candles and home fragrances are one of my all time favorite things. I’m never at home without a candle burning, and I’ve really hinged my curated shop on this. What home fragrance can’t you live without?
KH: My friend Lulie Wallace recently developed candles as an extension of her floral inspired paintings. They smell incredible and last much longer than most candles! My husband Matt enjoys cooking, so they work great to get the smell of onion and garlic out of the kitchen.
PH: Thank you so much for sharing with me, Kaminer! And for sharing your pieces in the boutique!
