Spot the Designer - Andreea Popescu / Romania

What did you want to be when you were a child?

To be honest, since I started being aware of my existence here, I was fascinated by art: colors, shapes, textures, feelings, everything that it means. So, looking back, the answer was obvious from the beginning, but, you know, there is this idea which is deeply rooted in some minds that artists cannot make a living from their art. Even so, my life revolved around art anyways; painting, drawing, playing the piano, writing poems, photography. I just could not get enough, and kept experimenting. Despite the fact that I kept considering each and every other career option, neglecting what felt the most real to me, I managed to finally listen to my soul. This happened the moment I started making jewelry which came with a very strong feeling of realization and a sort of awakening; I felt like I got on the right path. 

When have you started creating jewelry? How did this passion come about?

I have been playing with copper and brass wires during the last year of high school, making small rings, pendants for my close friends. I discovered this curiosity for metal, but felt very limited because I felt there is a lot more that I would wish to create, to express. I started creating jewelry in spring, 2021. I am so happy that at the end of my first year of university, I discovered Assamblage Jewelry School which offered me a totally new perspective of art, of creation. I fell in love with contemporary jewelry immediately. I believe this passion is strongly related to all my immense appreciation and strong feelings related to creating art. Self expression and the free thinking through creativity are other key elements which led me to develop a passion out of jewelry making. 

What was your first project or significant piece for you and from what point of view?

The project that I consider significant is actually the first piece that I have created, the ring "POveste". I started it as one of the projects during my first course at Assamblage, Basic 1 and finished it at home with my newly bought jewelry tools. It is a very dear project for me because by working on it, I realized what jewelry means to me. It is about sharing stories, cherishing moments, experiences and people, about feeling good and appreciating your body.  All the pieces of jewelry have their own story, either mentioned or unmentioned by the author. I loved the idea of creating jewelry pieces that come with their own story which is then continued and cherished by the person who wears it. "POveste" means story in Romanian and I am so grateful that after creating this very first ring I realized what my future dream jewelry brand would look like.  

Even more, this ring came with the  reassurance that this direction that I am taking is a good one. I was extremely happy that the "POveste" ring got selected to participate in Roma Jewelry Week 2021 and that this year, it will also be showcased during Sibiu Contemporary Art Festival 2022. Participating in one of those big jewelry events with it felt surreal and I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. 

How do you charge your batteries?

One of the things that charges my batteries the most efficiently is actually working on my jewelry pieces. Getting in a sort of trance while working, being 100% focused on what I am doing is one of the best way for me to unwind and clear my mind. It helps me put things into perspective, think outside of the box and somehow it gives me insight for challenges in my daily life.  However, even though crafting jewelry is calming for me, I sometimes might need a break from that. Going out in nature, for a mountain hike, travelling, going on an adventure to a new place does it perfectly as well, I feel totally recharged after that.  Spending quality time with my friends, going to a party, talking to people is also something that makes me so happy. Exchanging stories and the simple act of conversation is essential for me. And obviously, last but not least, art in all the other forms it comes in is one of things I would always resort to when I need to relax; being it listening to music, watching a great film, painting something and so on. 

What other passions and creative interests do you have?

Painting is something that I enjoy doing so much, and I would do it whenever I have some free time.  I love trying new things, experimenting with techniques so that I best convey my message. Whenever I feel strongly about something, or feel at a crossroads, painting helps me figure things out. 

I love film photography. Apart from that vintage vibe that it has which is incomparable and unattainable with a digital camera, I love that it allows me to experiment with effects. I go for film photography because it allows me to capture things as they are, in a raw, instant form. 

Another passion of mine is travelling. I love seeing new places, meeting new people, understanding what life means for different cultures in this world. For example, I have been backpacking for a whole month this summer and it was an experience that I will for sure remember for a lifetime. I am always more than happy to listen and tell stories and always down for a good cup of coffee with a great conversation. 

What does the connection between manufacturing tradition and contemporary design mean to you?

I am still at the very beginning of my road. I am eager to learn as much as I can, both in the direction of tradition and contemporary design. There is a long way to go, but if I were to explain my mindset right now, I would say that using traditional techniques with an open and creative mind is the way to go for me. I do not really like thinking in categories, so I focus on using the most suitable techniques for the message that I wish to convey. I love experimenting and going with the flow, just as much as aiming for perfection. 

 Is there a self-portrait piece that speaks most about you?

I feel like I could see parts of me in all the pieces that I create, but one that says much is a ring that I just sent to Milan Jewelry Week. 

The ring is named "The Sun Beneath the Sea" and its description its the best way in which I could explain its meaning. 

"You are now in the middle of a sea. The unknown comes in waves and you embrace them. The more you lose control, the more you advance. You take this staircase that leads you to the bottom of an endless ocean and keep going. You are the only one to fully know the beauty of the journey. At your return, you will feel fulfillment, connection and know the way you need to go.  Explore the complexity of your being, dive into your subconscious, aiming to build your inner sun step by step, spark by spark."

Which material have you not yet used is a temptation and a challenge for you?

I would love to work more in gold, but most likely I will do that when I start selling my pieces. I have fallen in love with it. Working in gold gives me the same feeling as oil painting does, I cannot explain it any other way. It's just special. I am currently learning the lost wax casting technique, which is a little challenging, but I still love it. Chasing and repousse is also one of the techniques that I am extremely eager to learn. 

How was the pandemic period for you as a jewelry designer?

It was a period of introspection, of self reflection. It was challenging as freedom, health and socializing are so valuable for me. I have not yet been introduced to the world of contemporary jewelry at that time. However, having no other choice than to self reflect, I got to listen to myself and get started on my artistic path. 

How do you see the future of contemporary jewelry?

I wish the future of contemporary jewelry were bright and full of talented artists. I wish it preserved good technique and brought creativity and freedom of expression. I can say is that I wish that the people would become more educated about the jewelry world. I would love to see the majority treasuring jewelry with all the processes that it involves. I wish that people would start appreciating uniqueness, the story the pieces have and use  jewelry as a way to express themselves. 

Find more about the designer Andreea Popescu