Designer’s studio: Mihaela Zvinca tells life stories through jewelries
I strongly believe that each designer/illustrator has something special in him, and until you get to know him, you don’t find that thing. This is why I decided to start a series of interviews from the Romanian Designers Showrooms.
I’ve recently visited Jewelry Designer Mihaela Zvinca. I’ve found her working with a great precision and attention to details on a new piece. With a friendly attitude and very excited about what she was doing, Mihaela explained me her process of creation: “It’s a print on metal necklace. I used foil to highlight some portions of the collage I’ve printed on it.”
Mihaela started creating jewelry design in 2001 when, during this time, she was also studying Cultural Heritage at the University of Theology in Bucharest. “I’ve also studied art at the School of Fine Arts N. Tonitza, so it wasn’t hard for me to adopt a different form of manifestation: decorative art.
Initially it began as a relaxing activity for me, but it became an occupation after I won the “Young Designers” Competition organized by Doina Levintza. After winning this award, there were plenty of opportunities open to me.
With the help of a friend, I began selling my jewelries in a small gallery in Paris, where I had two presentations in collaboration with a French fashion designer. Then I started to collaborate with other stores in Paris.
Also, I got involved with enthusiasm in two Romanian projects: “Extins Contemporary Jewelry” & “Author” ***, organized by Dan Piersinaru and since then, I have participated in almost all their editions.”
Her stylish showroom introduced me into a bohemian atmosphere of an artist and told me the story of a 10 Years Brand: Mihaela Zvinca Contemporary Jewelry.
It’s enough a simple step into her showroom to see how many influences gathered during all this years: a library full of photo albums, books, sketchbooks or tools; decorative objects as paintings (drawn by her or not), wood jewelry boxes, shells or icons are placed precisely in different places for her inspiration; unique jewelries and series pieces are sharing disciplinate it’s place waiting for their owners.
I’ll share with you some of the “goodies” I’ve found in Mihaela’ s studio:
How do you describe the jewelries you create?
The jewelries I design are not just ornaments, they carrie with them a story where the main theme is man and it’s day to day facts broken from daily activities.
I design minimalist pieces with simple lines, almost archaic, massive and impressive to be noticed when they are worn.
Besides the purely aesthetic component, I keep in mind that the jewelries I create to be very comfortable. For example the earrings, although sometimes they are oversized, they are very light.
I care about all parts which are in contact with women’s skin, they are doubled on the back with velvet. Also I make sure that the jewelry I design to “dress” woman’s body, watching it’s shapes, without clamber the clothes or hair.
What types of fabrics/tools do you use and why do you like them?
The fabrics I prefer are aluminum, wood and lace. I like wood and aluminium because they are versatile fabrics on which I can print and because I can mix or cut them easily.
What you can say about the techniques you use?
My technique is also atypical to jewelry this is why I take the freedom to work with non traditional fabrics for my jewelry.
In carrying the jewelries, I usually interpolate techniques commonly used in Pop Art, because this is one of my greatest sources of inspiration. I use the collage technique, print on metal, on wood or print on leather; I mix images and text because I want to create contemporary pieces.
Where does your inspiration comes from?
My inspirational sources are Contemporary Art, Pop Art, Photography, Byzantine painting, but the main source of inspiration are my family’s photo albums.
How do you describe one of your working days
I wake up quite late, because I’m not a morning person. I daily research, experience new techniques, finish things started in the previous days, starting others. I like to listening to music or audio books while I work. I try to go out every day to have my moments of disconnection.
How do you promote your creations?
I’m pretty easy to find on the Internet. I have a website where people can see my portfolio and where those who want my creations can buy parts of the series or unique jewleries. Also, I have a Facebook Page
What do you think is that “unique thing” that makes your customers happy when they buy your creations
I think that the women who wears jewelry made by me want more than to beautify themselves, they want to be unique and share their status of special person. The women who buy my creations are those who understand that fashion and design are a way of expression.
What are your favorite books and why?
When I am stressed I read the book “The Catcher in the Rye” by JD Salinger, so I got to read it 5 times until now, because every time I managed to disconnect from my problems by reading it.
As authors I like Balzac, and my favorite book until now is “Lost Illusions.” The character Eugene de Rastignac is familiar to me and sometimes I identify myself with it. Another writer I like is Anton Pavlovic Cehov. I consider him being a genius of subtle humor (and I refer here at his short stories, not at the theater).
Also there is an author I admire for the strength and courage with which he changed his destiny: Archibald Joseph Cronin, who began writing while he was still a doctor, but once he published his books he had brilliant success. “Gran Canaria” is definitely my favorite.
In which online fashion communities are you involved and how does this benefits you?
The fashion communities I joined are Not Just a Label and IQONS because they are online spaces where my work can be seen by professionals around the world and also I can see together a large number of amazing portfolios.
What is the most important thing for you as a jewelry designer ?
I realized that it’s not easy to be original, but I think it’s important to honestly express yourself without imitate someone you like. It’s important finding your own style and develop your own way of working.
Mihaela ‘s drawings transformed into paintings or fashion illustrations:
Mihaela’s skethcbook:
Photos & Text: Fashionarium
*** For those who don’t know, “Extins Contemporary Jewelry” is a Romanian manifestation that promotes contemporary jewelry by organizing exhibitions of installation art, and is accompanied by the biannual ”Author” Fair, where customers can met jewelry designers and can buy directly from them.
Don't miss out on exciting news and updates.
