Our Members and Alumni

Jessica Schnabel was born near the sea in New York and moved to Philadelphia as a young adult, where her business, BloodMilk, is currently based. Having graduated with an MFA in creative writing from the New School in 2007, Jess pivoted into designing jewelry accidentally after an unexpected loss as a method of coping. Her work seeks to both inspire others, as well as to soothe their own grief through thoughtful design as well as story-telling.

Layered with myth, magic, and with an emphasis on community, BloodMilk Jewels is known for quality craftsmanship as well as customer care. Jess’ social media presence reinforces these themes through a collage-like approach, sharing not only brand content, but the works of other artists to create a community atmosphere.

Aside from designing for and building BloodMilk Jewels, Jess has also written for art magazines such as Juxtapoz and Hi-Fructose. She has interviewed artists Joel Peter Witkin, Esao Andrews and Audrey Kawasaki, and has written for print for artists including the foreword for the forthcoming book ‘Altars’ by Darla Teagarden from Skeleton Key Press. She has also contributed to the forthcoming 2022 Many Moons Planner and has spoken at the San Diego Comic Con.

Jess divides her time between Philadelphia where she has lived since 1999, and Minnesota where her husband, fellow artist Aaron Horkey, is based with his two children.