Jijnasu (pronouced Jig-na-su) means "seeker of truth" in Hindi, but to local jeweler Cory Widau, it goes even deeper. To him, it symbolizes a beautiful state of existence in which one follows their intuition, lives in an uncomplicated manner, and seeks authenticity and veracity in every aspect of life.
It is this heightened state that guides Cory's work, and inspired his company Jijnasu Jewelry.
A Telluride artist who started wire wrapping in 2017, Cory quickly got hooked on the meditative quality of the medium. With endless combinations possible, he finds that the medium compels constant learning, experimentation, and creative growth, resulting in each piece being one of a kind.
Cory is a yoga instructor, chef, and crystal collector, influenced greatly by consciousness, the cosmos, nature, creativity, healing and sharing energy with others. He evokes the vibrational and transformative qualities of the crystals and minerals he uses and offers the stones to augment positive change and growth to the wearers, that will then transmit to others.
We asked Cory a few questions:
What are you watching?
I've been watching lots of documentaries! Crip Camp, Cheer, Dirty Money & Operation Odessa are a few that stand out.
What are you reading?
I'm currently reading A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving, Sometimes Brilliant by Larry Brilliant, and The Book of Joy by the Dalai Llama.
What are you listening to?
I've been trying to discover some new music lately. The Cave Singers, Polo & Pan, and the Fruit Bats are some new favorites that I've been mixing with some old favorites like the Grateful Dead, John Prine and Spearhead. Also, I am experimenting with some Solfeggio Healing Frequencies while I read.
What projects are you working on?
I've been learning some chainmaille and viking knit techniques to make my own chains and incorporate them into my wire wraps. I have a series of mini-pendants in the works for some affordable jewelry options once everything starts to open back up.
What has changed for you?
I'm personally treating this time off as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to slow down, check some things off the long-term to-do list, and to work on my physical and mental well-being. I've been meditating, doing lots of yoga, going on bike rides, cooking healthy meals, reading and playing guitar. These are all things I don't have much time to focus on during the hustle and bustle of “normal” life.