First (at about 6 years) I wanted to be a inventor of interesting machines, after that I wanted to be an archaeologist, to find exciting things.
When have you started creating jewelry? How did this passion come about?
I wanted to create, painted a lot, loved color and went to art schools but couldn't really understand what to paint or why. Metals are durable, provide resistance, have different characteristics and can be formed into more directly, practically useful objects than images on the wall. I was 30 when I started at Stockholm University of Crafts and Design. Since 1991 I have worked with jewellery, blacksmithing och design. It's a very nice ”cross-fertilisation”.
What was your first project or significant piece for you and from what point of view?
The folding knife that I showed at the graduation exhibition. It is still a very inspiring theme high-tech titanium with damascus steel in the blade. It was a dream from childhood to construct a completely custom folding knife.
How do you charge your batteries? What other passions and creative interests do you have?
My strongest source of power is the morning bath, all year round. Together with the dog Flisa (a headstrong Jack Russel mixed breed) who acts as a swimming guard. It keeps me going. My smithy is now almost only for experiment, inspiration and titanium smithing. But also forest walks with mushrooms and berry picking, art exhibitions, music and motorcycle tours.
What does the connection between manufacturing tradition and contemporary design mean to you?
Studying old objects, both art and craft, is often very interesting. By seeing how masters solved problems, both aesthetic and practical, I can experience a kind of communication through the centuries. In particular, it has been interesting to study 1000-year-old Viking weapons and silver designs.
Which material have you not yet used is a temptation and a challenge for you?
I have used so many different metals and other materials. The really interesting challenges are combining titanium and tantalum with other metals, mainly gold and silver. All four are favorites.
How was the pandemic period for you as a jewelry designer?
The pandemic was terrible, no customer for 9 month! But I have started the winter bath against depression and now I am addicted to morning bath.
How do you see the future of contemporary jewelry?
I can see a polarisation between many contemporary jewellery, body sculptures and jewellery that can be used in the every day life. But on Romanian Jewellery Week I want to show my thoughts: My work since I have started my profession is always, more or less, about in one way dystopi and utopi, how to make every day items that will last forever but are made with a lot of love and very carefully.
