What has first drawn me to Magdalena Paszkiewicz's geometrical and minimal jewellery collection is her ability of maximising the unlimited potential of simple lines above and beyond and without repetitiveness or conformity, designs that are staunchly against the idea of 'normal'. She utilises her creative ability to explore innovative and quirky ways of adorning lines in an eye catching and awe inspiring manner despite its subtle and barely-there aesthetics. Magdalena uses traditional jewellery making techniques to create her modern designs, however her main rule of thumb when putting an idea into a physical form is stopping just short when the design becomes too much, and therein lies the uniqueness of her collection where the resulting outcome is the deliberately half-finished jewellery and separate components, ideal for modern women who embraces understated elegance and classic sophistication. With that, she is fast becoming one of my favourite contemporary designers in 2017.
Here I interviewed Magdalena about her inspirations as a designer, where her passion for minimalism comes from and the idea behind her newest collection.
1. What inspired you to become a jewellery designer?
I
graduated from The Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź in Poland. It was there
at the Jewellery Department that I saw for the first time a jewellery
machine and I fell in love with it instantly. I got curious about the
technology and the process of production itself.
2.
You are a great fan of minimalism and has implemented this into your
body of work. What is it about minimalism that encourages you to adopt
that particular style?
I
consider minimalism to convey incredibly powerful messages. You don't
attack the viewer with colour, form or structure. Neither is there to complete the picture with words. Minimum form, maksimum
expression. The best motto of creators: less is more.
3. How does your surrounding influence your work? Is there a city, country or place you're inspired by?
The
Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź had the biggest influence on my style. I
specialise in wood engraving and I am especially keen on Japanese
woodcut prints. It's one step away from Japanese style, design,
minimalism and the work culture. At studies I practiced a lot of
composition so my works are characterized by geometrical figures.
I
live in Łódź. The city with huge industrial tradition dating back to
the 19th century. Industrial and electric style attract many artists who feels at home and so am I. I'm certain Łódź influence my art too.
4. People spend most of their lives in a work space. How would you describe your studio?
My
studio is an open place where I design and make jewellery, where
everybody is welcome to enter and see me at work. Along with Pola
Chrobot-a designer of Mokave Jewellery we have always wanted to create
an open atelier ready for visitors any time. My intention is to
introduce my job to everybody who still perceives jewellery in a
stereotypical way. At my studio I
run a jewellery workshop, pursue the individual orders and make my own
collections.
5. Tell us about your new collection Double Earrings. How is it different from your previous collections?
Double
Earrings are a continuation of my previous collection ,,Maksimum in
Minimum" They are crafted from silver 925 and gold plated silver. The
two elements the jewellery consists of enable us to wear it as separate
earrings with or without the back part, exactly the way you see in pictures. This collection describes me the best as an artist and as a
jewellery designer that's why I present the jewellery in the
pictures.
6. Describe the creative and technical stages
of making your jewellery collection. What is the hardest and most
enjoyable part of the process?
As in all fields of art
it's significant to read a lot on a given subject and attend
exhibitions, to be acquainted with all pieces of art, generally. This is
the main source of inspiration and it's the first moment when my ideas
come to life. The next step is just hard work. A lot of drawing on paper and first sample versions in metal. Slowly the project is
completed, jewellery ready and I may take care of another part of my
job; photos, jewellery boxes, graphic design, the website and social
media promotion. I devote equal time to all elements of my work.
The
hardest moment of creativity is the process of searching for the
concept. To make the collection simple, original and coherent. The most
rewarding is the moment of pressing the enter key and releasing the final
completed collection.
7. Do you have a favourite piece? which design do you wear most often?
I
treat all my pieces very personally and emotionally. It's hard to
choose only one but if I am to point something out it will be the Maximum
Circle Necklace, the first design in my collection I created together with
my friend Natalia, so I am sentimental about it. It's a silver circle
pendant attached to a transparent jewellery line, not to a regular chain.
It makes an impression of soaring in the air.
The
jewellery I wear most often are the silver earring from 5 colour collection. There are small and simple, perfect for casual wear.
8. If you could adorn your work on a public figure (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
There
are many beautiful and stylish woman all over the world who could
represent my collections but I still don't have any doubts as to who
might be the icon of my style. It's Marion Cotillard a French actress
whose both inner and outer beauty shines all the time.
9. Is there a brand you would love to collaborate with?
I'd
like to collaborate with a classic clothing company where I could match
my minimalistic jewellery collection with simple collection of clothes,
both men's and women's. It's important to fit into the style of the
brand, keeping at the same time, your individuality.
10.Describe the person wearing your collection?
I
direct my jewellery towards all women who are aware of their own style.
Women who adore classic, simple and minimalistic way of dressing up and
who pay attention to details. My jewellery would underline the subtlety
and class of the outfit.
11. 5 words to describe your jewellery?
Minimalism, simplicity, purity, geometry, calmness.
