Spot the Designer - Julie Kleom & Maria Gorgon/ Ukraine
What did you want to be when you were a child?
Julie: I wanted to be a director and create stories.
Maria: As a child I wanted to be an archaeologist.
When have you started creating jewelry? How did this passion come about?
Julie: I worked as a contemporary artist and fashion designer for many years, 5 years ago I came up with my 1st collection for myself, and it turned out to be a passion! Now I package jewelry collections in Art products and mainly design fashion collections.
Maria: I started creating jewelry as a child, making them out of foil and paper.
What was your first project or significant piece for you and from what point of view?
Julie: In my first project, I made 4 collections of 15 items in a print run, I completely immersed myself in the world of technology. I believe that our future will be at the intersection of old technologies of the past and ultra-light materials with smart intelligence in the future.
How do you charge your batteries? What other passions and creative interests do you have?
Julie: I listen to music, I prefer electronics and Japanese DJs. I'm also very interested in the sociology and cultural symbiosis of different mentalities. Progress is always in the golden mean!
Maria: I don't have batteries. I love working with porcelain.
What does the connection between manufacturing tradition and contemporary design mean to you?
Julie: It's actually a connection between the past and the future, and you always have to be 1 step ahead, I like that.
Maria: It is the essential quintessence of any product.
Is there a self-portrait piece that speaks most about you?
Julie: I want to talk about the collection that we are showing now at ROJW, dedicated to Ukraine:
The first part of the collection by Julie is made of salt. You see a pack of salt that was produced in the Ukrainian city of Artemivsk, which is now destroyed. Impressions were removed from handmade salt molds and metal ornaments were cast. The symbolic image of a woman and other forms resemble artifacts thrown out of the salty sea, just as many Ukrainians have now been thrown out of their native land. Ukrainian salt became a metaphor and the basis of this collection.
The second part of the collection from Maria: "My porcelain jewelry is a reinterpretation of ancient Ukrainian sculptures and forms. They are like a symbol of strength and indomitability and fragility at the same time."
Which material have you not yet used is a temptation and a challenge for you?
Julie: I am interested in new materials and coatings, manual stone processing. I want to mix old with new and experiment.
Maria: The material with which I have not yet worked is glass. I would really like to try it.
How was the pandemic period for you as a jewelry designer?
Julie: When the pandemic began, several good collections froze up in production. The main benefit for me now is to build international sales online. There is a war in my house in Ukraine right now, and this is much worse than a pandemic, but I do not give up and continue to work!
Maria: The pandemic period was very interesting, I worked hard.
How do you see the future of contemporary jewelry?
Julie: I think the contemporary jewelry market will grow and develop in step with modern technology and style. Uniqueness and author's approach will become more and more valuable!
Maria: It seems to me that contemporary jewelry in e will return to traditions and origin.
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