Spot the Designer - Bego Fuente/ Spain

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

I don’t quite remember knowing what I wanted to be, however it was quite clear I was a creative soul. My dad is a painter and sculptor so I guess it’s in my genes.

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

I lost my former job in a school when the economic crisis hit Spain back in 2011. It was certainly a turning point in my life so I decided to start all over again giving myself the opportunity to pursue a career in the creative world as I had always wanted. I was already doing graphic design and photography but I needed to do something with my hands and escape from the digital world. Then I found a silversmithing course in my hometown and I decided to jump on board. Now I‘ve realised designing jewelry is my passion. I finally found my true vocation.

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

I guess my first significant pieces are those from THE “FACETED. WE ALL HAVE CRACKS” COLLECTION. I was starting to experiment with materials, and I was going through a delicate time, emotionally speaking, so this series spoke about rocks crumbling and about allowing ourselves to feel weak. Later in time It won an award at the Venice Desing Week: https://www.venicedesignweek.com/bego-fuente/.

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

Well, taking into account I have two kids I charge my batteries when I get a moment for myself and I can be home alone to play and experiment as much as I need. I always work on different projects at the same time and I need silence, solitude and time to contemplate and reflect. Swimming, watching a good movie or finding new music to dance to always helps.

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

Traditional techniques and tools are treasures to be safeguarded. However the contemporary artistic design is more about the expression, the message, it’s more conceptual and so it allows for a more creative approach, and that is what attracts me most.

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

It’s difficult to say. I guess all my pieces talk about me one way or another. Creating is a therapy as well as a passion. Your thoughts, feelings, ideas, moods are represented in the pieces, sometimes consciously and sometimes thoughtlessly. Usually, my pieces are made of gestures that come straight from the guts, I just follow my instincts.

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

Bioplastics. I’m dying to learn about them.

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

It was a very productive moment. I had to rely on the materials I had at home at the moment, but since I’m a big collector, I had enough to play. I had no torch or tools but it didn’t really matter. Some of the necklaces I designed were part of an exhibition in @studiosquina, Madrid.

How do you see the future of contemporary jewelry?

Artistic contemporary jewellery is such an expressive practice I think it will have a brilliant future. We are starting to see a shift in fashion and it’s time for the broad audience to understand the value of a jewel doesn’t necessarily rest on its materials, but on its creativity, craftmanship or concept.

Find more about the designer Bego Fuente