I wanted to be an artist when I was a child. At the beginning I just wanted to be a painter but later on understand painting is just a form of art, then I found the form of jewellery being one of my favourite ways to create.
When have you started creating jewelry? How did this passion come about?
I started creating jewellery when I was in my high school jewellery workshop. I was working with copper and silver, and totally loved the material. The metal was hard but also can be shaped in any way I like.
What was your first project or significant piece for you and from what point of view?
My first significant piece is a statement necklace called the 'the Rose of Tudor'. This piece is designed for the event ‘Splendour’ which is a part of the Armada Portrait Project and commissioned by the Royal Museums Greenwich. It helped me realise how much I was interested in the process of designing and making big pieces, and I discovered my interest in traditional jewellery technique and my passion of working with fine metal wire.
How do you charge your batteries? What other passions and creative interests do you have?
I like to stay in my bed and watch movies, go for a walk or exhibitions. I also sometimes go to the theatre to see different performances which is like an interest to get inspired.
What does the connection between manufacturing tradition and contemporary design mean to you?
It means combination and innovation and it is also something I am trying to achieve in my own path. Many other traditional craftsmanship is dying out due to the quality of time consuming and the old-fashion style, but it is a part of our cultural heritage that comes from the wisdom from the ancestors. A combination of contemporary design and manufacturing is a short pass for it to keep going and accepted by nowadays audiences.
Is there a self-portrait piece that speaks most about you?
The ring from my graduation series 'Natural, Line and Surface'. It is my first attempt to explore the technique of Filigree in a contemporary perspective. It is like me embracing the tradition but also not afraid of challenging it to a new level.
Which material have you not yet used is a temptation and a challenge for you?
Wood. It is a very commendable material that is great to shape and its texture and the connection between the material and nature itself is something I really love to explore in the future. Also I really want to see how it can connect with metal through my hand.
How was the pandemic period for you as a jewelry designer?
I graduated and continued my study on jewellery in Master degree during the pandemic. So as a designer, the pandemic puts pressure on the study, and as a designer I observe new methods and ways of thinking as a designer.
How do you see the future of contemporary jewelry?
I think it will keep adapting new techknowledge and ideas. The border will get bigger and bigger. It will become a form of art that is a communicator of philosophy and audience. it will be something that is inspiring.
