Jelka designs laser cut rubber jewellery, that plays an interesting game between the 2D and 3D world. Inspired by visual patterns and striking scenes that cross her path, which she captures with photography.
We asked Jelka a few questions about her work and inspiration. Read on to find out more.
Describe your work in 3 words
Patterns – laser cut – flexible
What inspires you/your work?
Inspiration comes in many forms for me. I can get inspired by something as little as the beautiful pattern in a leaf or something bigger like the overwhelming architecture in the city. However a lot of my favourite pieces don’t necessarily evolve out of a clear source inspiration but are the result of a process. I can get an idea in my head that will turn out completely different when I am making the prototypes and paper cut outs. I enjoy exploring the possibilities of the shape and pattern in relation to the material. There’s nothing better than surprising yourself and watching a piece of jewellery evolve. Below are a few of Jelka’s sources of inspiration…
What made you decide to be a jewellery designer?
Jewellery encompasses a lot of subject areas I am passionate about; art and design, body and sculpture, the use of different materials and the link with fashion. I still don’t see myself as a traditional jewellery designer. I like creating bigger sculptural pieces and interior installations as well as the occasional fashion garment for editorial shoots.
If you weren’t a jewellery designer what do you think you would be?
I’d be an architect, a costume designer or a world traveler! I actually like to think I am all of the above already. I am an architect for the body and I feel there is a link to fashion and costume design in my work. I just wish I had more time to do some traveling!
What’s the most exciting piece you have ever made?
The most exciting piece I’ve made so far is a full dress I made for a magazine editorial. It was very interesting to see what my work would look like bigger and covering a larger part of the body.
What tool can you not live without?
I have a big love for tools in general. But I wouldn’t be able to live without my basic tools like scissors, pen and paper and of course my camera.
What do you love most about being a jeweller?
What I enjoy the most about creating is the anticipation! The start of a new piece. When I am still in the testing and experimenting stage and everything is still possible. I love that I can constantly evolve my work and that there will always be a next step in the process. There will always be a new idea, that’s what keeps it exciting. On the other hand it really pleases me when someone absolutely loves wearing one of my pieces of jewellery and feels good about themselves while wearing it.
If you could choose anyone to wear your jewellery, who would it be?
I have a few icons in mind that I think would absolutely rock wearing my pieces. I’m thinking of FKA Twigs – Dita Von Teese – Marilyn Manson – Marina Abromivic. Honest if I can choose just one person, it would be my mum, she loves wearing my jewellery and is my biggest fan!
What is your favourite piece on lovedazzle?
My new piece Piuma is my favourite necklace at the moment! It’s different from all my other pieces and I love wearing it myself. My inspiration for this piece was a feather I picked up from the park one day. In the end the piece doesn’t look like a feather at all, it looks more spikey but is soft to touch and makes interesting movements when you wear it.
View Jelka’s full collection on lovedazzle
lovedazzle jewellery blog 