Spot the Designer - Mihaela Grama / Romania

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

I was impressed by the grace and delicacy of ballerinas, so I wanted to become one. Then, at a certain point, I had a warm and selfless teacher, so I wanted to be the same, a loved teacher like her. When I grew up (a bigger child), I was attracted by mathematics and informatics, so, without wishing for anything in particular, I directed my studies in this direction.

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

I played with dried flowers and collages for a while and I wanted to be able to wear those shapes and colors, so I turned to jewelry somewhere in 2012, and I started to learn.

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

The pieces from the first collection, Rhound echo, were plants, flowers, or fresh leafs from nature.  It's instinctive and natural to me to always have in my hands a piece of nature I find around when I'm out. I don't even know when I pick them up. If I look at old pictures, I always carry something with me. I usually joke and say that, I think that's how I came out of my mother's belly, with a flower in my hand. The Rhound echo collection is an extension of this hand of mine. I feel that each piece, when I wear it, becomes a self-portrait of me, the version of me from that day.

How do you charge your batteries? What other passions and creative interests do you have?

Art, reading, ceramics, friends, my husband, nature, music, sport and repeat. I also try to go out my comfort zone and try new things, and hope to learn from each experience.

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

I believe that we build on the work of those before us, with the duty to find our place in this legacy and to build further.

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

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

All of them. I'm still exploring everything that's organic and natural, I think there's no limit here, but I'm drawn to ceramics.

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

I didn't feel it was defining. I've read a lot and I think that's a plus. Some days I've only existed as a scared person, in others I've dreamt, and in others I've made jewelry.

How do you see the future of contemporary jewelry?

Sensitive people will always express what they feel and experience. The contemporary jewels will fold according to the times we will live in, with their ups and downs. I don't know exactly what awaits us, I just hope to be there to find out.

Find more about the designer Mihaela Grama