Spot the Designer - Krisztina Rigó/ Hungary

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

 I got a dress-up doll when I was 7. Nothing else interested me but the doll. I drew a big box of clothes for her. That's when I decided that I wanted to be a dress designer. Later, when I went to university I couldn't draw perfectly, I would have to attend art classes to prepare myself. But I was no longer interested in fashionable clothes. I rather went to rock and punk concerts and had a good time in the alternative world, I disdained fashion and found it boring. I became more and more interested in art and eastern culture, and then I studied art history and later Tibetology.

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

 I started making jewelry three years ago. When I was a teenager I always sewed my clothes for myself. Later, when I grew up I didn't have time for that anymore. I have always missed crafts, I like fabricating my creatures. I don't design and make clothes anymore I make jewelry out of paper instead. It does not require a complicated background or special knowledge, all you need: a good idea and perseverance. I like dealing with the task myself, figuring out how to make my creature. I really like the colors. Paper is a good material for this, easy to form and it's endless in color.

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

The second piece I made of paper is here in my collection. I had no concept, I just cut the paper and it just became like that.

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

 I don't need to be charged, I rather need to cool down. My brains are constantly busy. I love being alone. That reassures me. I read a lot, especially about Eastern religions and of course the arts. When I can, I walk a lot alone - it calms me - and I enjoy nature. Most recently, I attended an exhibition in Porto, and this is where I first met the ocean. We are very similar. The ocean is eternal and infinite like me.

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

Contemporary design uses a lot of new materials, which is a new challenge technically, so is paper. Europe does not have the same tradition as the East, especially Japan. Getting to know Japanese tradition is important to me because knowing ancient technologies we can create an even more interesting form.

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

Metals. I always wore metal jewelry, especially silver. Interestingly I haven't worn any kind of jewelry since I have started making paper jewelry. Perhaps metals are the best fit for me. I don't know them yet, but I want to learn how to use them.

How do you see the future of contemporary jewelry?

There are good contemporary designers, there is a wide palette. Unfortunately, in everyday life you can't really see these designs on people, they're too special. Like modern art, it will be eventually absorbed into people's tastes. 10-20-30 years. We are working on it.

Find more about the designer Krisztina Rigó