ARTIST'S SPOTLIGHT - barbara salinas
- eliane de luca peres
- Apr 20
- 2 min read
Barbara and I began talking back in 2021, when she was just graduating from FIT – the Fashion Institute of Technology – and transitioning into jewelry after working as a photographer. She wanted to share her work with me, and I found it instantly captivating—especially a delicate flask in the shape of a fish (pictured above) I loved it and remember thinking it would look incredible as a ring – I actually did give her the suggestion.
Fast forward a couple of years, and we reconnected—Barbara had, in fact, transformed that very fish flask into a ring! Since then, her work has evolved remarkably. Her pieces all carry a whimsical, magical, and delicate style that feels both personal and enchanting.
It’s always gratifying to witness an artist grow, find their voice, and create pieces that are truly pleasing to the eye. That’s exactly the case with Barbara—this exchange reflects not only her evolution as an artist, but also the connection I’ve felt to the work she’s created. Looking forward to much more!
My name is Barbara Salinas and I am the designer and founder of the New York based brand BEA. I’ve always been a natural artist. I studied at the International Center of Photography and the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. My artistic journey began with photography—capturing the beauty of the world through my lens. That experience opened my eyes to the intricate details and textures in everyday life, sparking a deep passion for creating something tangible.
As I immersed myself in photography, I found myself increasingly drawn to making things with my hands. This shift led me to jewelry design—a natural evolution that allowed me to merge visual storytelling with the tactile joy of crafting unique, meaningful pieces.
My creative path has also been deeply influenced by my father, a talented blacksmith artist. Growing up, I spent countless hours watching him transform raw metal into beautiful, expressive objects—each one a testament to his skill and imagination. That early exposure to metalwork shaped the way I approach jewelry: with an appreciation for craftsmanship, attention to detail, and emotional depth.
For me, design is all about telling a story—one that the viewer can feel emotionally connected to. When someone sees a part of themselves reflected in a piece, that connection becomes powerful. My work is filled with symbolic elements that invite people in and resonate on a deeper level. Wearing jewelry that one identifies with is empowering. It’s a brave form of expression—a visual extension of the inner self, a wearable piece of the soul.
Just before I enrolled in the jewelry design program at FIT, I bought a classic 1962 vintage Airstream and have been restoring it ever since. The Airstream has become a part of my story, too. My grandfather had a vintage camper, and I was always fascinated by it growing up. That memory stayed with me and eventually sparked the idea: what better way to share and sell my jewelry than from a beautifully restored vintage Airstream? It’s more than just a mobile studio—it’s a living, moving piece of my personal and creative journey.
