Congratulations to Jennie Hinkle, creator of Unstandard Deviations for being voted by YOU as Commune’s Featured Local of the month! I met up with Jennie to congratulate her on winning and also to get the dirt on what she has going on.

1. How did you come up with the name Unstandard Deviations and what inspires your pieces?

My jewelry is unique and usually the first thing people say about it is, wow I’ve never seen anything like that. So I actually had a really hard time coming up with a name that I felt worked for my jewelry. I made lists, looked at synonyms, asked friends for opinions, etc. I knew I wanted it to be something that was unique, bold, and different. I wanted it be something that made people think. It needed to portray the nonconformity, and the “against the grain” quality that my jewelry carries along with it. I finally came up with “Unstandard Deviations” and the tag line “jewelry that defies the norm”. It stems from the statistical term “standard deviation” and how it relates to bell curves. Once I came up with the name, I knew there was no turning back.

2. Without giving away your secrets, what are your pieces made out of?

Most of my pieces are made from a material called polystyrene, a thermoplastic. This material allows me to make pretty much any image into a piece of jewelry (providing I have the legal right to use the image). I also use glass microscope slides on some pieces to encase collage images. All the chains I use are sterling silver and can be shiny or darkened according to personal preference. I want everyone to have something they feel represents them, so I am all about doing custom work as well as making that perfect piece for each and every person! I am also a silversmith, and at some point will be offering some of those creations on my Etsy store as well.

3. Where can people check out your stuff?

There are several places to check out my stuff. My website is: www.unstandarddeviations.com. On the site, you can find links to my Etsy web store, my Facebook page, my MySpace page, as well as info on any upcoming shows where I am showing my jewelry. Two San Diego locations display and sell my work: “My Authentic Self” (416 University Avenue in Hillcrest) and “Lady Luxe Saloon” (1017 10th Avenue in the downtown area). I am now also in a store in New Mexico called “Ancient Road”. It is pretty exciting to now be in two states!

4. What is your favorite thing about Commune?

I love Commune for bringing non-judgmental awareness to the community. I also love how Commune supports local artists, designers, bands, and dj’s- I was so super excited to be a part of January’s Commune Wednesday at the Whistlestop. The people that support the events are all open minded, ready to learn and/or educate others, eager to be inspired, there to support the cause and the participants, and ultimately, to feel a part of the community. What could be better than that?

5. Why do you think it’s important to stand up against tobacco corporations?

The proof is there- there just is no doubt as to the damage, often lethal, of using tobacco. Addiction was planned. Tobacco companies know exactly what they are doing when they target kids, teenagers, women, – and they are now creating demand for tobacco products in Third World areas. Knowing what they know about their product, their actions are unconscionable. Addiction to a drug, and nicotine is certainly a drug, is not good for the world.

Tobacco corporations are takers. Their product takes our air, our health, our money and our focus. Land used to grow tobacco could be used for a much greater purpose. Tobacco takes away our own personal ability to manage our emotions and perceptions; the ability to learn how to relax naturally is a skill lost by smokers who rush to light up when stress arrives.

There is an all too common attitude among smokers that they are only harming themselves by smoking- but it is clear that is just not the case- just being around smoke causes harm. Tobacco companies kill not just their customers- those customers who believe smoking is a “choice”- but all of us around those customers- 1 in 5 deaths is related to tobacco.

Being aware and informed will give us the best shot at standing up against these corporations. As someone that has fought nicotine addiction (sometimes winning, sometimes losing), it is clear to me that the only benefit to my struggles is to the wallet of the tobacco corporations.

For more on Jennie and Unstandard Deviations click  here

Congrats again to Unstandard Deviations and thanks to everyone who voted.

If you would like to be part of Commune Wednesdays and stand up for a smokefree scene, contact Jenny at jointhecommune@gmail.com