Spot the Designer - Kamilė Stanelienė

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

I wanted to be an artist since I was a child and in the 9th grade I decided to become a jeweller.

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

I started making handmade jewelry as a child. It was jewelry made of various beads, pebbles and leather. I was able to do these handcrafts for hours and I could never get enough of it.

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

I think that the first significant project was a collection of rings that I created spontaneously during the summer holiday in a friend's garage. Hands themselves did everything, I just watched. This collection was some fracture, liberation. I can't say that it was the discovery of my style as I am still looking for it but it encouraged me to look at jewelry from a more creative point of view. I had only started studying jewelry at that time and it was the first autonomous project.

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

I just get myself a day off. I love walking in the old town admiring the old architecture. It inspires me. Although my hands do not work at that time, my head generates new ideas that I use after returning to the studio.

What does the connection between manufacturing tradition and contemporary design mean

to you?

I believe both are essential and great results can be derived by connecting the two.

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

I think this brooch reflects myself and my attitude toward relationships. I often use raw stones. They are the most beautiful for me. Over time, they may change, their edges may get smoothened. But not always. The same with people. Everyone is a personality with his own corners, sharp edges, ground by communicating with other people. Sometimes we ourselves change in order to have a more harmonious relationship, and sometimes we just have to accept another person, tolerate him/her, even with the sharpest corners.

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

At the moment I want to start making jewelry from ceramic tiles. I think it will be not only a new project but also a challenge for me.

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

The pandemic itself as a phenomenon is not easy for everyone, but if you cannot live without art, you will create under any conditions. I had the opportunity to go to my studio and it was like therapy, isolating myself from what is happening around me.

How do you see the future of contemporary jewelry?

I think contemporary jewelry will be more accepted and worn in the future.

Find more about the designer Kamilė Stanelienė