What are you working on?

I feel I am currently in the most crucial moment in my career. I finally understand how all the previous effort is coming together and forming something new and exciting. I have a vision that brings me joy and fulfillment as I walk this newfound path.

When I started I had a direction of sorts but now I feel how I embody this imaginative space. It feels true to me. For example for the fashion show, I had the chance to curate the overall experience for the models and the audience. I was amazed at how naturally the ideas came. I didn’t need to push for anything. My clarity and openness provided the vision which felt just right. Through that process, I finally realized that we can do no wrong in our creative expressions. We make mistakes, we experiment, we succeed and then we get to have a better understanding of the direction we want to take. The clarity for the craft and self comes out of this process. At least for me. 

For me, the hardest thing is to start something new because I have to operate in the unknown. This process is also very magical because we can bring something to life from our creativity. When we start exploring any idea it becomes much easier.

What drew you into your field?

Materials. My designs have grown a lot in scale over the years, from small earrings to corsets and suits for the body. I will always experiment with scale and materials. With brass for example I am very curious to see how far I can push it. Same with silk which is very nuanced in terms of its nature.

I am most interested in creating designs and jewelry for the face where I can create interesting compositions and unusual formations. Also, many of my designs are somehow connected or supported by the nose. Being the furthest part of the face it fascinates me how different it can be from person to person. I enjoy integrating fashion design with jewelry design and accessories. The experimentation will never end and I am curious to see how the designs will progress over time.

I am quite shy and mostly in the background. Jewelry on the other hand is more avant-garde and my main focus. The world that I am creating is almost like a parallel universe where I wear them on the streets and at different events. I am also an engineer of sorts because I use a lot of connections and custom solutions that need to be functional but also match the overall aesthetic.

Inspiration for the fantasy world comes largely from Alexander Mcqueen's shows and how he incorporated his world into the performance aspect. It broadened my understanding of what a designer can do in a specific field and how there are no borders on creativity or in one medium. When I started to create flowers from wire years ago I felt the same that I stood behind the work but in my parallel world, I was the one wearing them as a natural extension of myself. For now, I like to create mostly for other people and to see them wearing my designs. It is very fulfilling and I gladly stand close by and enjoy their experience and witness how the parallel world takes shape. 

How did you find your passion?

I have been interested in handicrafts for over 17 years now. At school, I was very eager to do all kinds of knitting and embroidery. During that time I realized that working with my hands is something I enjoy the most. It became a passion when I began studying at EKA and when I learned about the fundamentals of jewelry making. I remember I was always in the workshop. Fast forward many years I feel how it has become a big part of my life now and a passion of mine. I am so happy that I have my own studio space where I can work and greet other people and just chill and spend my days designing jewelry. It makes me very happy!

I do have a part-time job at the moment that provides additional security when it is quieter. It is within my field so it doesn’t drain my energy or creativity in any way. I am very happy that I can do what I do, it brings me so much joy. I come into my space and I feel like I am shining and just smiling. It feels so good to be here.

Some people might think everything is very glamorous or that I have made it, but nobody shares all the hard work that is behind it.

What inspires you to grow?

Proving to myself that I can fulfill my ideas and dreams. That I can create a construction or build items at scale. I am curious about how far I can push my creativity. I constantly experiment. I embrace failure and the insights I gather from making something new. New perspectives from the experimentation benefit all my designs and thinking process. It provides me with more tools to work with.

What would you like to achieve?

I like New York a lot. One of my dreams is to have a solo show on NYC Jewelry Week. I will do it next year, I am sure. I would also like to be a part of more residencies for example in Belgium. In France, there are two cool places to study pleating without any machines just like in the old times. 

How would you define mastery?

Mastery for me mostly means technical ability. Also, determination and dedication most often create a masterful outcome. I value the end product highly and therefore I make no shortcomings in the creation phase of a piece. Details make a huge difference and in the end, create a masterful design that is a harmonious unit. A master is somebody who has put his or her soul into creative expression, has mastered the technique, and is creating something personal.

‘We need to have a positive perspective towards the process. All of the hard aspects are the things we need to learn. They only indicate the possibility for growth. When we endure the challenges then something truly great can arise which fulfils like no other thing in life.

How to pursue self-expression? 

I would have liked to have people around who supported me when I started. In the beginning, we can be more sensitive, uncertain, or easily influenced by other people. I would suggest having a good group of friends or peers around with whom you can grow and reflect ideas. You can’t skip the process of learning and experimenting which usually takes many years. It is not an easy thing to find yourself within a medium and your unique voice but it is worth it.

We need to have a positive perspective towards the process. All of the hard aspects are the things we need to learn. They only indicate the possibility for growth. When we endure the challenges then something truly great can arise which fulfills like no other thing in life. Learn about money and how to get support for your projects. Being in dialogue and close to other people is crucial because it gives so much good energy and a sense of not doing things alone.