Spot the Designer - Ioana Streza Contemporia/ Romania
What did you want to be when you were a child?
Forever a child, I didn't want to grow up so I didn't make plans, but I used to draw a lot.
When have you started creating jewelry? How did this passion come about?
In 2012 after realising I was not happy with the path I was on. Contemporary jewelry came as a breath of fresh air, the escape hatch. And it stayed with me, which means it's more than just an escape hatch, it's the winning ticket, for now.
What was your first project or significant piece for you and from what point of view?
The first piece from Anatonima which is the first jewelry collection that I feel it truly represents me. Until this piece, I lived with the feeling that I was emulating the aesthetics learned in school. Even now when I look at the piece I remember that it was winter when I created it, it was snowing outside, I was working at an improvised table, I was listening to a certain music, I was nervous that it would not turn out well, all this sentimental-sensory palette binds me to it. In the end I really liked what came out.
How do you charge your batteries? What other passions and creative interests do you have?
Over time I discovered that the only thing that really relaxes me is strolling until my feet hurt, regardless of the weather, regardless of the place (although I prefer it to be sunny and with lots of trees around).
What does the connection between manufacturing tradition and contemporary design mean to you?
Enough freedom, with just the right amount of constraints, to make me creative.
Is there a self-portrait piece that speaks most about you?
Each piece reflects a part of myshelf I used to focus more during that moment of inspiration and creation. Now I find myself mostly in the collection to be launched at ROJW: Kaolin - a story about contrasts, boldness and vulnerability.
Which material have you not yet used is a temptation and a challenge for you?
Ceramics was a big challenge for me and although I used porcelain in the creation of our new collection, Kaolin, it still has many secrets that I want to learn. Also, I would like to work more with ready-made objects, to play with them as in a collage and leave aside my sometimes excessive need for control.
How was the pandemic period for you as a jewelry designer?
It was a turning point because at the beginning of the pandemic it seemed to me that what I was doing was useless considering what was happening in the world. But also during the pandemic I found myself the answer. Contemporary jewelry is not just jewelry, it is full of meaning and this meaning can be given both by the creator and by the wearer for whom the jewelry can become an event, a talisman and even an opportunity for connection with another human.
How do you see the future of contemporary jewelry?
The tendency of young generations towards self-expression, individuality and creativity, makes me believe that both the number of artists and art consumers, from all niches, will grow. Also I think that contemporary jewelry will continue to be, for many creators, a vehicle of expression for socio-political concerns - being wearable art, it can easily become a conversation starter.
