Art jewelry does not begin with a sketch, but with the perception of an idea, thought and significant association. The creation of jewelry often begins with a conversation. It is extremely important to hear the real, authentic story of a person that he wants to convey. Because only then can the jewelry become that unique storyteller. Later, the realization of what meaning and significance the moment of its acquisition or choice embodies becomes a very important moment. Therefore, art jewelry should be viewed not as an object created solely for practical use, but as a work of art, emphasizing its ideological value.
Materials and creation process
I make the miniatures for my jewelry from a ceramic material, porcelain, considered one of the most valuable materials in ceramics. It is often called “white gold”. Porcelain is a capricious material, made from kaolin by a particular technology. But once you come to know it and learn to handle it, wide creative ground opens up.
Thanks to its properties — color, texture and materiality — a porcelain piece can carry the subtlest ideas. Making a handmade piece of jewelry is a game of its own, played with specific means of plastic expression, in pursuit of a work that is entirely its own.
In contemporary art jewelry, jewelry is increasingly being discussed not as an adornment, but as a relationship between the body and the object. One of the most prominent creators of this approach is the Japanese artist Yuka Oyama, in whose work wearable objects function as forms of experience, rather than decorative accents.
The porcelain and ceramic structures she creates change the body's sense of movement, presence - the piece of jewelry becomes not only visible, but also experienced. This perspective is also close to narrative jewelry, where what is important is not the object itself, but what happens to the person wearing it: how it warms up, adapts, is inscribed in everyday movement and gradually becomes part of a personal story.
A work comes alive only when it is worn
Mini sculpture worn on the body. Porcelain jewelry worn around the neck, like natural stones, warm up when pressed against the body, making them extremely pleasant to touch.
Each piece of jewelry "comes to life" and becomes filled with content only when it is worn. Then the wearer of the jewelry becomes a part of the piece, and the piece becomes a suggestive representation of the wearer's values, attitudes, memories, emotions (and we can sum it all up in one word - history).
The bracelet in everyday life: between sameness and selfhood
Bracelets can be for special occasions. However, adorning themselves with bracelets, we can brighten even an unremarkable, ordinary day of our life (and sadly most days are).
Therefore, unique jewelry with porcelain miniatures becomes an attribute of self-expression. They help maintain a balance between the uniformity that dominates everyday life and the uniqueness of the personality.
The ring: when the material dictates the form
The ring can simply be bent silver wire. However, to make it a work worthy of attention, it takes a lot more effort. The chosen material, its texture, and color dictate the shape – this helps to reflect the story that is important to the person and the feeling that accompanies it. Then the jewelry becomes truly authentic.
Earrings as an expression of individuality
Minimalist, unexpected architectural and gentle elegance pieces that exude originality. Jewelry like handmade earrings allow you to create, not imitate, your individuality. Yes, that's exactly how I would describe them.
Every day we use all kinds of accessories as a language, to tell the world about our feelings, our mood or what we are living through.
The constant need for change and the ability to imitate are perhaps the most important natural human instincts. Therefore, both adaptation and change are directly related and inevitable companions of human life.
Handmade earrings are details with which we describe ourselves with jewelry precision, we strive to show our inner world, its changes. And sometimes even prove to ourselves, our authenticity.
Making work for men: when the sign need not be obvious
Making work for men is a great responsibility to me, and at the same time a great pleasure.
For example, there is something really special about shirt cufflinks, slightly hidden under a jacket but visible from the corner of your eye. These porcelain jewelry for men are barely noticeable, but the ingredients of masculinity don't necessarily have to be obvious.
Jewelry for men I usually create individually. Then, from an impersonal object, they become a significant element of individuality or a constant of masculinity (which, by the way, is also perfect for women), and I can't be distracted by thoughts like "is this really what a man might need?" A delicate and difficult question, you must admit.
And yet, designer porcelain jewelry for men is represented as a small sculpture that, when placed on the body, transforms and takes on much more meaning than is possible to imagine, let alone describe.
When a piece of jewelry becomes a work of art
The original purpose of jewelry is to adorn everyday life, so let's not wait for the right occasions, but enjoy it every day, let's admire every moment.
Let us be happy and share that happiness generously. After all, a pebble with a hole found on the beach, hung on a chain, can become an accessory that awakens memories.
However, turning a piece of jewelry into a work of art requires much more effort. The synthesis of material and idea is very important here, creating something unique, felt with thoughts and hands.
Summary
Art jewelry – an expressively spoken material – becomes a unique synthesis of art and practical function. It allows you not only to adorn yourself, but also to embody and give body to your values, feelings, and personal history.
Each piece of jewelry becomes a sign of individuality and authenticity – a personal form of history that gradually becomes a part of the body.
With inspiration, Ramunė
