Meet Liv of Moon Face Jewels!
This July, we’re thrilled to welcome Liv Hawley of Moon Face Jewels as our Visiting Artist at Moon+Arrow. A recent graduate of Temple University’s Tyler School of Art, Liv brings a refreshing blend of playfulness, sentimentality, and authenticity to the world of jewelry-making. Working primarily in lost wax casting, Liv’s sterling silver creations capture the impressions of her fingertips, offering a deeply human touch in every piece.
Rooted in a family of artists and inspired by self-acceptance, Liv’s work honors the beauty in imperfection and encourages wearers to embrace their own unique journey. Whether you're drawn to her work for its playful spirit or its emotional resonance, each Moon Face Jewels piece carries a little magic, and a lot of heart.
Stop by Moon+Arrow this month to explore Liv’s collection and connect with a maker who believes in the power of joy, community, and showing up as your truest self.
image by @aesthetic_griff
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey as an artist?
Hi! I am Liv, I grew up about 40 minutes outside the city (classic) and I have been making art for as long as I can remember! I attended Tyler School of Art at Temple University and earned a degree in Metals Jewelry and CAD CAM in 2023. I am very passionate about supporting the small businesses in Philadelphia and strongly believe in investing in our community.
What inspired you to pursue this particular medium or form of art?
I love how sentimental and meaningful jewelry can be. I like the idea of my jewelry being anything from an everyday piece that adds a bit of extra flair to an outfit or a piece that commemorates an accomplishment or a major milestone. I feel like I get to celebrate with people through jewelry.
How has your background or personal experiences influenced your artistic style?
I am beyond blessed to have two Grandmothers who are artists, one a painter and pastel artist and the other, a crochet artist. My family has always been incredibly supportive which has given me the courage to take risks and put myself out there and to believe in myself even when my dreams seem unrealistic. Self acceptance and courage is a theme in my art work, as I believe the world would be a better place if everyone could be their most authentic self.
Are there any specific moments or milestones in your career that have shaped your work?
I showed my art work at a Philadelphia gallery when I was only 10 years old, I was featured alongside my Grandmother's collection of work. It was a pastel self portrait, with a Tiara, of course. That experience opened my mind to what was possible for me and encouraged me to pursue art professionally.
Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?
I find inspiration through play, when I sit down to create I really set the intention to have fun! I do not limit myself to any particular niche, if inspiration strikes, I respond. My only goal is to make something beautiful, playful, and perfectly imperfect.
How do you hope people will feel or respond when they encounter your work?
I utilize lost wax casting to create my jewelry, the wax I use is soft, intentionally selected to capture my fingerprints that naturally occur as I form my pieces. My intention is to capture the process in the finished product, flaws and all. Cast in sterling silver, the pieces carry the inherent value of precious metal. My hope is that people are able to use my pieces as a reminder to embrace their own perceived flaws and their journey. Our mistakes bind us together, it’s something we all have in common, just as each of us are inherently valuable.
Do you have any advice for aspiring artists or creatives?
Have fun with your practice! Forget the rules and make art just for fun! Play, make mistakes, try something new, be fearless!
Where can people find more of your work outside of Moon+Arrow?
On my instagram @moon.face.jewels
When you’re not creating, what are your favorite spots to visit or things to do in Philadelphia?
You can find me floating around Old City on 1st Friday, visiting Mama Z at the Jade Forest, shopping at Casa Vida, Moon and Arrow, and just about every other small business in Old City and 4th Street.
