The jewellery showcased at the graduation show ‘Choices.‘ is a product of a journey of exploration into the intricate concepts of belonging and its antithesis, not belonging. The aim is to capture the essence of what ‘home’ truly means using forms and colours that convey feelings associated with the chosen topic.
The importance of freedom, learning to allow oneself into the unknown and stepping away from one’s comfort zone allowing chance to be part of the creative process, is an integral part of the concept. This necessitated that using alternative solutions to the jewellery, such as wearability and the connection of different parts, become a crucial design element.
Precious (recycled silver) and non-precious elements (copper, lacquer paint) are used simultaneously. The past and the present are blurred as silver, sourced from scrap pieces collected throughout the years, was melted and reimagined into new pieces. Also, space is expressed ambiguously in its positive and negative facets and, in most pieces, it is what is cut and left out that becomes the central focus. In the realm of art and design, in-betweenness allows for the exploration of the unique connection between the body, the wearer, the maker, and the viewer. Through my work, I encourage dialogue and ask questions using jewellery as a tool for conversation.
What ideas or themes inspire your work?
Vica Gabor: In jewellery making, my primary inspiration comes from the problems and questions of everyday life that invariably arise in my design process. The design process usually starts with drawing and painting, mark-making, and collaging, and in this phase, there is no design thinking; I create a vast amount of images, and after a while, I notice some kind of repetition in this two-dimensional space, which can be a repetition of form or colour that somehow leads to a theme. This theme usually reflects the problem area that I am dealing with in that particular phase of life, and most of my projects start from this point; this is the initial inspiration. From here, I begin my research and experiments.
The importance of freedom, learning to allow oneself into the unknown and stepping away from one’s comfort zone allowing chance to be part of the creative process, is an integral part of the concept.
How do you envision the future of the field you have chosen and your practice within it?
VG: I will start a postgraduate course in September at the Glasgow School of Art in the curator program, focusing primarily on contemporary art. My undergraduate and postgraduate studies create a full circle of my interest and profession. I am a jewellery designer, but my most significant interests are organizing workshops, curating exhibitions, collaborating with others, introducing people from the same field to one another, creating new connections and opportunities, and discovering and helping emerging artists. I hope the two professions, jewellery design and curating, can work in parallel.
Could you describe your approach, and how does it reflect tradition, current trends or push boundaries within the field?
VG: My research and writing have primarily focused on pushing the boundaries of contemporary jewellery design. However, I aim to extend this exploration to my practice in the future, challenging the edges of the profession and my personal boundaries. In my last project, pushing boundaries entailed deviating from traditional conventions and creating innovative techniques. I am eager to continue exploring and experimenting with these concepts in the months and years ahead, intending to develop my unique visual language.
SO MINT! is a series of posts on fresh graduates in fashion, jewellery and design from around the world. Handpicked by Current Obsession.
IG: @visual_manifest
