‘Inspire’ = ‘to produce or arouse (a feeling or thought)’.
What keeps you inspired? You might have a painting that always brings sunshine even on a rainy day, a favorite song that you never get tired of or you might like a building with quirky architecture that makes you imagine a faraway land every time you see it.
I enjoy visiting cities which are notorious for their architecture and experience exciting spaces which awaken the senses. When I went to Barcelona this year, I managed to make trips to different architectural destinations that I had always wanted to visit: creations of Antoni Gaudí & Mies van de Rohe.
Gaudí’s architecture brought me straight into the wonderland on earth. Every corner was enchanting and intriguing.
Even the smallest piece of mosaic at Parc Güell could make me instantly think: where was this piece originally from? Who used it?
All kind of romantic thoughts went on and on.
On the other hand, I was completely in love with Mies van de Rohe’s German Pavilion.
I enjoy the open-plan layout and the clean lines. The superb quality materials were let to speak for themselves on such an elegant stage.
No pretending, what you see on the surface is what it really is, and on its best.
Both couldn’t be more different yet both inspired me in their own way. From this trip I had many ideas for jewelry that I sketched on my note book.
I do love to travel and get inspirations, but inspirations sometimes come just as close as from my own working table.
My ‘Leaves’ jewelry is an example. I designed it first for an exhibition in 2007. My studio participated in a biannual fashion event and I organized a jewelry exhibition. At that time I had about more than 20 new pieces created especially for the event.
In the years after, I learned different kind of jewelry techniques. Several techniques were very exciting that I use them often in my creations. In spring this year I got an invitation to participate in a jewelry exhibition in Tokyo. A specific technique combining silver & copper called New Mokume Gane, one technique that I like, was required for each submission.
I’m fond of trying new approached when designing a piece. Knowing how it would technically be quite challenging, I came up with the idea of ‘Leaves’ pendant with patterns and new shapes.
Did I say technically challenging? Yes, as I expected and as I (somehow-but not always) like it. It took me about a week to complete ‘Leaves & Lines’.
The piece was exhibited 11-14 July 2014 at a gallery in Tokyo and was also picked up and featured by ‘Four Seasons of Jewelry’ an excellent jewelry magazine in Japan.
Will there be more coming from ‘Leaves’?
I believe so, as I do have ideas already. If you are interested to find out my next creations, feel free to subscribe to my newsletter.
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ian
Very fun, it is very powerful, I have been before in Barcelona, and I understand the places, and how you feel. Jewelry is fascinating, but also simple and elegant. Good work!
SVVA
Thank you :)