Good afternoon,
a few days ago I was thrilled to receive an email from three very promising art and design student from MCAST who chose to look into my art for their Art and Design project. Here it is below...
How and when did you become interested in jewellery making?
I started making jewellery when I was about 11 years old, for fun. I used to enjoy dismantling jewellery pieces my mum had stopped wearing and making new things out of them.
What is it that attracts you to jewellery making as a form of artistic expression?
Apart from jewellery making, I also enjoy painting and crafts. Jewellery, however, inspires me the most since it is versatile and allows an infinite possibility of designs and styles utilising a small set of tools and materials. I also enjoy jewellery-making because, unlike other forms of artistic expression, with some planning, it can be done practically anywhere, including the beach. Jewellery-making requires a lot of concentration and co-ordination, something I find very relaxing mentally.
How would you describe the style of your pieces?
I like thinking outside the box and offering something a bit different from mainstream designs. While I do create classic and simple pieces, I also like experimenting with new forms and new materials which one may not have considered in jewellery. I like using natural materials, bold colours and semiprecious stones in my pieces. While some items can be worn by anyone, other are made for confident and daring women.
Are there any common themes which link each of your designs?
No, I try to be as versatile as possible. Although I might use a concept in more than one piece, I never replicate the exact design as I prefer to create unique pieces.
When you start a piece do you think ‘this is going to be a necklace’ or does it evolve?
I usually plan pieces ahead. I either sketch a design beforehand or plan it mentally or by laying the beads out before me and visualising the best pattern. In most cases, I therefore know beforehand what the piece will be.
Is your creative process ordered or organic?
My creative process is both ordered and organic. In order to create new designs I like playing around with beads until I come up with a pattern or shape I like. Once I find a concept I like, however, I incorporate it into an ordered and planned design
What is the latest piece you have been working on?
I am creating an asymmetrical necklace utilising suede cord and clear crystals, with a suede rose on the side.
What have been some favourite special projects, exhibitions or collaborations you’ve been involved in?
I am collaborating with a local fashion designer to create an exclusive high-end jewellery collection named CNC by Panterina Fine Artisan Jewellery. This collection has been launched a couple of weeks ago and is available in Myoka, at the Hilton.
Is it hard to switch hats between being a maker and running a small business?
Jewellery-making is not my main activity, as I also have a demanding full-time. I therefore enjoy every moment dedicated to making jewellery and treat is at time for relaxation and fun. I make my jewellery from the heart and profit usually passes in second line. I do appreciate, however, that if one is considering jewellery-making as a main source of income, there has to be a fine balance between the creative and business aspect of the venture.
Which designers, artists or creative people do you admire?
I enjoy seeing jewellery as part of couture collections, such as Max Mara, Chanel and Bulgari, to name a few.
What would be your dream project?
Designing for an international client, such as the ones mentioned above.
What advice would you give to emerging jewellery artists?
Study the market and be perseverant. There are many cheap, mass-produced, alternatives available both in shops and online to compete against, both in price and volume. Understand that your creations are unique and therefore have an intrinsic value. Unfortunately, you cannot expect to please the masses but only a select few who understand the value of artisan jewellery.
Acknowledgements:
LUCAS AQUILINA
NADINE CAMILLERI
ALEXIA CACCIATTOLO
