Spot the Designer - Julia Rudenok/ Ukraine

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

When I was a kid, I remember myself always painting, but I couldn't even imagine that it will lead me to my passion - jewellery creation.

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

I made my first jewellery in 2012, when I moved to a small town near the Carpathians to learn jewellery crafts. I just felt that I should do it.

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

10 уears ago I fell in love with ukrainian mountains. There I saw the first meteor shower in my life. And this inspired me to create the Comet Brooch and necklace Sunrise in the mountains. These two pieces are so meaningful to me because they were the first in this theme. For the first time I felt a connection with nature, which was reflected in these early works. And that's exactly what I came back to 10 years later - mountains, stars, the spirit.

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

I get my energy boost from nature. I go hiking, rock climbing, trail running…. Skiing, kayaking, windsurfing….any outdoor activity makes me feel alive and full of inspiration.

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

It means everything to me. The experience of so many jewellers before me who originated traditional techniques is invaluable. Only based on it I can create something new.

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

I can't single out any one piece of jewelry... for me, each one is a living being, in which there is a piece of me. I love them like my children… I would say that the closest to me are these earrings - Perseids. The movement that is captured in them reflects my attitude to life - Life is motion. Life is progression. Moving and shining - that is how I see myself.

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

Silver Clay! I have 50 gr but I haven't even dared to open the package yet.

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

Oh! I’ve got a lot of time to rethink my goals and desires! I quit my job that I didn't like and devoted myself entirely to my own designs. And I’m still looking for my way and feel happyness about it.

How do you see the future of contemporary jewelry?

I think it is all about personality. Today we have a huge variety of choices. So it is important for each person to find out what exactly HE or SHE is! What do I like? What do I want? How do I see Myself? This is not about fashion, but about your own choice.

Find more about the designer Julia Rudenok