Spot the Designer - Dimitrina Daneva/ Bulgaria

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

As a child, I wanted to be everything- from the garbage man hanging from the back of the garbage truck, to a lawyer, a doctor, an actress..

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

I started making jewelry 6-7 years ago, started with polymer clay as a joke - easy and fun until my fascination developed to the point where I wanted to see the clay models made from silver. And so began my journey into the world of jewelry.

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

I don't keep a photo of the first piece of jewelry I made /polymer clay earrings/, but instead, the first silver earrings I made were these little silver hearts. They embody the whole love as a driving force in this world. with love everything is better, easier and most likely possible.

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

I recharge my batteries and new emotions from the carefreeness of a walk in the park, the mountains, the forest or the sea, a glass of good wine and the company of beloved people and animals.

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

Мanufacturing tradition and contemporary design are two related things in one. Тhey meet where cross their borders and thus a masterpiece is made.
  

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

The imperfect form itself is perfect and completed. We accept ourselves as we are.
  

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

I have a ton of gems I'm trying to get, so I can use them in the future. Just the other day I found a very bright almost fluorescent synthetic gem called LuAg that I'm hunting for. I have an extensive collection of gems I haven't found a place for yet, and I still manage to buy more somehow. I don't use gold that often since I make such big pieces and I'm working now on finding a way to include it in pieces in the future. If left to my devices, I can probably write a whole extensive list of materials that would be fun to at least try in the future.

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

 Aside from the unpleasant moments of the pandemic, this was one of those moments of rest and recharging for me. It was time to slow down and rest. I needed this.

How do you see the future of contemporary jewelry?

Contemporary jewelry is the new, the different, the unusual, sometimes the crazy. It arouses curiosity and interest. The world in the future will be more and more open to her.

Find more about the designer Dimitrina Daneva