Spot the Designer - Kateryna Basovska/ Ukraine

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

I dreamed of being a respectable and respected bank employee)) To some extent, I achieved some success in finance, but as often happens, I realized that a dream is not always what you really want. So I came up with another dream).

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

I made my first jewelry on my 2nd year at university. It was a very long time ago, and the thought did not even arise in my head that someday this would become my profession. I studied to become a lawyer and was immersed in this.

I have always been passionate about fashion, I love dressing beautifully and stylishly. Jewelry for me has always been an obligatory element of the image, its logical conclusion. Therefore, probably at some point I began to pay more attention to this particular element of the wardrobe. And when I already realized that I had my own special vision of jewelry design, I tried myself at it and that’s how it all began…


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

Probably the most favorite and at the same time difficult project was the project called “Revival”. Then I was just immersing myself in the nuances of jewelry making and I wanted to do something unusual. I paid attention to the design objects from my point of view, and the main thing in this collection was a necklace in the shape of a pea pod. A huge necklace consisting of two parts, with multi-colored stones inside.

The idea of the collection was to show familiar objects from an unusual point of view.

The second iconic element of the collection, which was unusually placed in the necklace and was also pierced with stones, was a tulip flower.


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

I have a small child who is 4 years old, so I don’t have time for a full hobby, as all mothers will understand). But in moments when I don’t feel the resource, I completely disconnect from the processes and for a couple of days I give myself complete rest without thinking about anything. In my free time from work, I like to read books. In them I find a source of inspiration and ideas for the next collections.


What does the connection between manufacturing tradition and contemporary design mean to you?

I think there should be a golden mean here. You need to respect traditions and origins and know them. But at the same time, it is important to move in step with modern progress, which does not stand still, developing and improving the technologies and methods every day.


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

I like black and white photos - they always say more about identity and don’t throw off the focus. This photo has no story, it's just about me.

 

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

I really want to work with plastic, enamel, and ceramics. I like the work of modern masters, but I want to give these materials a new look. Of course it will be something colorful and spectacular, but for now it’s just in the air.

 

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

Just like the period of war, it is like an impetus for development. Any difficulties and obstacles make our brains work 200 percent more productively. I’ll be honest, during the pandemic and war, I made my project much more successful and implemented much more than planned. Now, for example, I am writing this interview from the lobby bar at the airport in Warsaw on the way to New York for NY Fashion Week where my brand will be presented to world buyers and the press. Did I dream about this before the pandemic?


How do you see the future of contemporary jewelry?

 I would like people to become more aware and attentive to what they choose. I want them to make a choice based on the skill of the designer and creativity and not on the basis of a beautiful picture or successful PR. Thus, modern jewelry design should become closer to the people. Be creative and wearable at the same time. Then everyone will benefit.

Find more about the designer Samokish

Assamblage Association