Renowned artist Susan Kare, the visionary behind Apple’s iconic digital imagery in the 1980s, has unveiled a new collaboration with Asprey Studio. The collection transforms her beloved computer icons into elegant jewelry and decorative objects, blending technology with artistry.
Kare, who joined Apple in 1982 as its sole screen graphics artist, is celebrated for creating some of the most recognizable symbols in tech history. With a background in fine arts rather than graphic design, she brought a human touch to her work, crafting warm, intuitive typefaces and icons that resonated deeply with users. Her designs, such as the Happy Mac icon, the floppy disk save symbol, and the Command key symbol, have become timeless elements of our visual culture.
Now, Kare has reimagined her iconic designs in a new medium. In partnership with Asprey Studio, she has created Esc Keys, a collection featuring 32 new icons. These designs are brought to life as enameled computer keys in silver or gold plating, as well as playful jewelry pieces. Among the highlights is Kare’s whimsical ‘Panic!’ key, a nod to a personal touch she once added to her own keyboard.
For Asprey Studio, established in 2021 to explore the intersection of art and design, this collaboration is a natural fit. Alastair Walker, the studio’s chief creative officer, praised Kare’s ability to simplify complex ideas into universally understood visuals. “Susan Kare is a pioneering artist,” he said. “Her work uses limited palettes and resolutions to convey intricate, often abstract tasks in a way that feels immediate and intuitive.”
The Esc Keys collection not only celebrates Kare’s legacy but also highlights the enduring influence of her designs. By transforming digital icons into tangible objects, the collaboration bridges the gap between technology and art, offering a fresh perspective on Kare’s groundbreaking contributions to modern design.
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