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Article: The Story Behind Leighton Lam’s Ear Art® Collection

The Story Behind Leighton Lam’s Ear Art® Collection

Some jewelry pieces are more than just accessories—they're reflections of art and culture. Leighton Lam, founder of Leighton Lam Designs, started his journey making surfboards, which eventually led to the creation of his iconic Ear Art® collection. Combining his love for surfing with resin artistry, Leighton pioneered resin jewelry that caught the attention of audiences nationwide. Today, we delve into the story behind Ear Art, a collection that embodies the spirit of Hawaii and the artistic vision of its founder.

Leighton's Journey: From Surfboards to Ear Art®

Leighton's artistic journey traces back to moving to Hawaii as a young boy and discovering an instant love for surfing.  Using polyester resin to make surfboards in 1967, he had no idea that his love of surfing would launch him into a lifetime journey as an artist. As he poured different colored resins over his hand-shaped surfboards, the flow and blending of the resin intrigued him. He saw its potential as an art medium. For the next two decades, Leighton created resin art, with 72 solo exhibits and public and private collections ranging from Queens Hospital to Rumors Night Club. This journey also laid the foundation for his first collection, Ear Art, which reflected his love for surfing, Hawaii, and artistic expression.

The Ear Art Collection: Unique, Vintage, and Timeless

The Ear Art collection is a vibrant array of one-of-a-kind pieces. Crafted over 30 years ago, each piece carries with it a sense of history and authenticity, making them true vintage pieces.

Pioneering the craft of surfboard resin jewelry, Leighton's work has made him a true trailblazer in the field. Each piece in the Ear Art collection reflects his innovative approach, showcasing vibrant colors and intricate designs inspired by Hawaii's beauty. Whether adorned with swirls of turquoise reminiscent of the ocean or bursts of sunset hues inspired by the islands' sunsets, every Ear Art creation is a wearable work of art.

Leighton Lam's Ear Art Collection marks the beginning of his artistic journey. As his journey unfolded, he developed new collections beyond resin artistry. Yet, the Ear Art pieces remain a testament to his roots, capturing the essence of Hawaii  and the artist's evolving vision.

We're excited to share these rad pieces after thirty years. They've been hiding out for a while, but now we're releasing them in limited batches, each with its own theme. Giving you a glimpse into the rich history and artistry behind Ear Art, and an opportunity to add some bright colors to your bold lifestyle.

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