Headstash

ART COLLECTIVE: Max Barilow – Wire Wrapper

Photo Courtesy of Frequency Peaces

Name: Max Barilow (Frequency Peaces)

Trade: Wire wrapping

Highlights: Created custom wrap for STS9's David Murphy after cancer diagnosis, unique style of utilizing negative space in his creations, self-taught

 

Minerals and gemstones have always been popular in the jam band community, but in recent years, the amount of artists and fans of the wire-wrapping art form have increased exponentially.

An exceptional artist who is testing the creative boundaries of the medium is Max Barilow of Frequency Peaces.

What started as a simple passion quickly turned into a business selling raw and faceted gems. In March 2010 Barilow came across some craft wire and decided to start trying to wrap his stones.

With only a few tips from friends, Barilow is mostly self-taught, having spent time looking at pictures and tinkering around via trial and error.

Although his teachings came from within, external inspiration was not in short supply. Inspiration for Barilow came from a number of people who had been wire wrapping since the begining. People like Ben Claus (Rise Designs) and Scott Maller (Dust77) pushed the art form to where it is now and continue to provide inspiration for up-and-comers like himself. 

Photo Courtesy of Frequency Peaces

In two short years, Barilow gained a reputation for creating some of the most unique pieces around. His emphasis on flow and elegance is clear in his jewelry and it’s easy to see Barlow’s passion. He is masterful at using graceful wire techniques, which serve to highlight the beauty of the stones.

One of the most unique and stunning aspects of Barilow’s pieces is his use of negative space. Negative space or empty space left around a stone, functions to highlight the centerpiece.

“I knew in the beginning that I needed to set myself apart,” Barilow said. “I managed to nail down a pretty unique style. I think I have a descent eye for balance, flow and color palate.”

Barilow’s unique style has even made its way on stage with perennial jamtronica favorites STS9. After bassist David Murphy was diagnosed with cancer, a group of fans decided to get him a gift.

Jarred Trantham of Lost Sailor Designs put together a custom bass strap for Murph and subsequently asked Barilow to design a wrap that could attach to the strap. The outcome was a stunning piece of custom art which was presented to Murph backstage at the April 21, 2011 Georgia Theatre show. (Which is no surprise considering his name is a play off of series of STS9 tracks).

Barilow says he sees Frequency Peaces continuing to evolve.

“I’m trying to use nicer, rarer and more unique stones,” Barilow said. “And I do want to get into some fabrication work and casting work.”

Photo Courtesy of Frequency Peaces

Photo Courtesy of Frequency Peaces

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A majority of Frequency Peaces are commissioned and custom. Barilow is always taking custom and wholesale orders. For more information, visit Frequency Peace’s Facebook or Etsy page.

Are you an artist looking to be featured in our Art Collective series? Email editor Nick Rhodes at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and let us know.