Hot Interview: Rusty Pistachio with PNUT - Jewelry with a Bang

by Myriah Zaytoun • Apr 5, 2007 2:22 PM PDT

About Designer Rusty Pistachio:

Rusty Pistachio is a down-to-earth rocker, that happens to have a passion for jewelry - metal jewelry, of course. He studied metals at SUNY New Paltz, and soon after decided to combine his skills of tattoo art and sculpture into a unique and edgy jewelry line called PNUT. He began handcrafting the pieces in 1995, around the same time that his hardcore punk band, H2O, took off. Now, PNUT has become so popular that you can hardly open a magazine without coming across a piece, handmade by Rusty himself. The jewelry is known for its quality craftsmanship, tattoo-influences, and its unusual subject matter. The silver pieces come in every shape, from grenades and guns, to hearts and horseshoes. Give yourself a little edge from punk rock's bling-man.

Stylehive: What made you decide to get your masters in Metals at SUNY New Paltz?

When I was in undergrad, I heard it was the top school in the U.S. for metals. I wanted to take my craft to another level and there were so many ground breaking and successful artists coming out of New Paltz, that I could think of no better place to study.

SH: How would you describe your design philosophy?

I try to keep it fun. I love pop iconography. I basically carve mini sculptures from things that capture my eye and offer them up as charms. Also a big part of my credo, you got to keep it tactile.

SH: How has your rocker lifestyle influenced your jewelry line?

I think the tattoo aesthetic found in the rock and punk world is a direct influence on what I make. The punk rock lifestyle has influenced how I do my business. I focus a lot on community and doing work with people I respect.

SH: What kind of customers do you get for your customized, one-of-a-kind orders?

I work mostly with friends in bands. I did a few necklaces for Davey from AFI . Lately I've done a few wedding bands for friends, such as Matt and Dereck from Alkaline Trio. Also I've been getting request from people who have suffered losses in their families and they want to commemorate their loved ones. They are the heart breaking ones.

SH: Everyone from New York socialites to rocker kids are wearing your jewelry. How do you design such wearable jewelry while sticking to your edgy vibe?

Good question, I haven't a clue. But I couldn't have asked for a more gratifying outcome.

When I was in grad school I would do these hybrid sculptures that would juxtapose high and low culture/ aesthetic. It was a way of speaking about the differences between the two, in one sentence€¦ kind of like bringing the socialite to the rock show or vice versa. Without consciously trying, the jewelry has done just that, if only for a second.

SH: What's it like designing for such celebrities as Kanye West, Good Charlotte, Ashlee Simpson, and Axl Rose?

The process is pretty much the same whether it be Green Day or Good Charlotte or Joe Schmoe. It starts by sitting down and talking about what they are interested in having made, doing a few sketches and creating a mock up to see if they like it . From there we make adjustments.

Since the beginning, I've only done custom work for my friends and for people I like, so when it comes to designing for them , it's always a good time.

SH: You are known for your high quality, handcrafted pieces. What do you think of the metal jewelry that's on the market now?

There are artists like Rich Sandomeno from Spragwerks, doing great handcrafted stuff. So much of what I see in the stores can be so boring and derivative. It's great when I come across a fresh inventive artist. It's inspiring and helps keep things interesting in the field.

SH: What's in the future for PNUT?

I've got lots of new things that I'm working on. I'm branching off in different directions with jewelry, clothing, and toys. Some things to look out for will be an upcoming line of confections (donuts with daggers, ice-cream cones with wings etc€¦) and old school novelty items. I will be updating the site with new pics. So keep an eye out €¦