Lauren and Her Journey Inspired by Heritage
As a longtime Tucson photographer, I was excited to be capturing the creativity of Lauren Valenzuela. Lauren is the visionary behind Sigfus Designs, a shining example of how artistry and heritage can come together to create stunning jewelry. Lauren and her sister Lea invited me into her space inside Bushido Studio, located on 3264 N Country Club Rd in Tucson, Arizona.
Founded in 2018, Sigfus Designs pays homage to Lauren’s Icelandic roots, reflected in the name “Sigfús.” Sig” typically means “victory” or “to win,” while “fús” translates to “eager” or “ready.” Together, “Sigfús” can be interpreted as “eager for victory” or “ready for success.” This cultural heritage deeply influences her creations, each telling a unique story. I’ve seen firsthand how Lauren’s artistic journey began with polymer clay, evolving into a multifaceted exploration of various materials.
Exploring the Space
When I entered the shop, I was excited to see the welcoming couch in the middle of the main room. Connected to this room are several smaller rooms with lovely light and colors to compliment my creative vision for how I wanted to photograph Lauren. The product displays showcasing her jewelry were neatly organized and displayed in a creative way. I knew that these would be something I’d want to feature in her portraits, but first we started in one of the workshop rooms where Lauren teaches classes to patrons who want to learn about making jewelry.
The Process
I documented some of her process and observed how focused she became as she zoned in on her intricate manipulations of the metal. After some time, we changed locations and really explored the space to inspire some creative portraits. We quickly wrapped up within the hour and said our goodbyes, but I’ll definitely be back to shop for gifts for my wife!
Visit Lauren
As a Tucson Photographer I may be biased, but If you’re searching for jewelry that captures the essence of artistry in Tucson, look no further than Sigfus Designs. Lauren Valenzuela’s creations invite you to wear a piece of her artistic journey.
Shop Lauren’s handcrafted jewelry at Sigfus Designs and follow her shop on Instagram @sigfusdesigns. Afterwards, check out my session with Carly Quinn Designs!