Spot the Designer - Ioana Andreea Sora/ Romania
What did you want to be when you were a child?
As most children do when they are little, there were a lot of professions I would have liked to have when growing up, like a doctor or a book writer but I remember I was fascinated by the theater world and wanting to become an actress.
When have you started creating jewelry? How did this passion come about?
My journey to creating jewelry started back in 2018 when I discovered the art of lampworking. It was this first step – melting colorful glass rods to create glass beads that made me want to invest more in this craft so that it would eventually become more than a hobby. A few years later I was inspired by a jewelry artist friend, which many of you already know – Maria Dima (UNDE), to connect the dots between glass and metal. And so a new journey started with me building a real studio where I could experiment with both mediums – glass and metal, and often combine the two.
What was your first project or significant piece for you and from what point of view?
Even though my first love will remain glass, I am deeply connected to my 2022 collection - AW(e)ARNESS, as it carries, what I hope to be, a message for everyone to see and understand. The idea of the collection is to draw awareness that pollinators are endangered and if they disappear all that we know in nature as alive and colorful will be scorched and lifeless. Within the collection I think the piece that carries this message the best is the “Life & death” earrings.
How do you charge your batteries? What other passions and creative interests do you have?
During spring, summer and autumn, whenever I need a boost of energy, I just step outside in the backyard of my studio and just enjoy nature. When the weather doesn’t allow me to go out, I like to relax with a good fantasy or Sci Fi book. Admittedly, I prefer audiobooks as while I am listening, I can still draw or work on my digital projects.
What does the connection between manufacturing tradition and contemporary design mean to you?
I believe that you need to know how to build something with your own hands, even if you do not actually do it, to really understand how to best design it. Or, how Picasso is said to have said: “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”
Is there a self-portrait piece that speaks most about you?
Since my first connection with jewelry design and creation is glass, I think my “Bouquet” ring is the one that really speaks about my work. It is a ring made of silver to which I attached some of my handmade glass beads. This ring was challenging not only from the design and production perspective but also because I had to find a way to secure the little glass balls onto the ring in a manner that they would not only complete the design but would also be durable and wearable. But this is what I try to achieve through my work: find ways to incorporate solid or blown glass into metal.
Which material have you not yet used is a temptation and a challenge for you?
I would love to be able to work with titanium and borosilicate glass. If for the latter I do have some knowledge but not (yet) the equipment, titanium is a material I have never had the chance to even see in person and I am curious of its potential use in pieces that would not necessarily follow the classical jewelry style.
How was the pandemic period for you as a jewelry designer?
I would say it was actually a rather creative period for me. The changes brought by the pandemic offered me time to practice more, to develop my digital skills and play more with glass and metal. It was also the first time that I participated at ROJW as a jeweler and had the opportunity to meet various other artists and understand better their concept about contemporary jewelry.
How do you see the future of contemporary jewelry?
I believe there is so much to explore in terms of materials, design and concepts that we can expect to see it grow and develop. There are also, in my opinion, new techniques to be explored and probably technology will play an even more important role in production. Hopefully, in time, the general public will also become more open to the concept and value the creations to their true merit.
Find more about the designer Ioana Andreea Sora