Spot the Designer - Alice Protopopescu/ Romania
What did you want to be when you were a child?
As a child, I always had a knack for crafts, yet my initial passion lay in bicycle and traffic education contests, suggesting a potential future as a policewoman.
When have you started creating jewelry? How did this passion come about?
In high school, I experimented with air-drying clay, paint, and wire. Through this exploration, I discovered my passion for jewelry-making, which led me to pursue Metal Studies at the National University of Arts Bucharest.
What was your first project or significant piece for you and from what point of view?
My initial major undertaking was during my bachelor's degree and consisted of two distinct studies. The first delved deeply into the form and structure of bones, emphasizing them as the enduring organic evidences of a being's existence. As the foundational elements of vertebrate skeletons, they encapsulate the energy and chronicles of the entity they were part of. Meanwhile, the second study focused on reimagining Romanian traditional motifs in the context of contemporary jewelry.
How do you charge your batteries? What other passions and creative interests do you have?
To recharge my batteries, I'm drawn to the countryside or secluded natural spots. Apart from that, my passions include painting, clay modeling, and crafting art and decorative pieces using a variety of techniques and materials.
What does the connection between manufacturing tradition and contemporary design mean to you?
I think that at this point it's impossible to have one without the other.While there may appear to be a divide between manufacturing tradition and contemporary design in jewelry, they are in fact deeply interconnected. Contemporary designs often draw inspiration from, or are directly influenced by, traditional techniques and motifs. At the same time, modern tools and perspectives allow designers to push boundaries and reinterpret tradition in fresh and exciting ways.
Is there a self-portrait piece that speaks most about you?
The initial piece I crafted from the 'Captive' series truly resonates with who I am. Originally, I aimed to cast silver wire and glass together. However, inside the furnace, an unexpected reaction occurred between the glass's chemicals and the silver, leading to a captivating dance of colors. This piece mirrors my essence: an unexpected blend of order and chaos.
Which material have you not yet used is a temptation and a challenge for you?
Exploring new materials is an ongoing journey for me, and I haven't landed on a specific one just yet. My current quest is to discover a material that aligns with a trifecta of values: it must be ethically sourced, environmentally friendly, and suited for jewelry creation. It's not just about the aesthetics or malleability of the material, but also its impact on the environment and the ethics of its procurement. In today's world, where sustainability and ethics are paramount, I believe jewelry should reflect those values not just in design, but in the very substances from which it is crafted.
How was the pandemic period for you as a jewelry designer?
The pandemic felt like it clipped my wings just as I was taking flight into my journey as an independent artist, transitioning from student life. Despite the challenges, I remained committed to my passion and craft. It also taught me the importance of adaptation and evolution, prompting me to delve into the digital realm and explore the marvels of 3D modeling
How do you see the future of contemporary jewelry?
Though I cherish the hands-on craftsmanship in the workshop, I believe that advancing technologies will pave the way for the future of contemporary jewelry, allowing designers to place greater emphasis on creative expression over traditional manufacturing processes.
Find more about the designer Alice Protopopescu