INTERVIEW : RADKA PASSIANOVA CONTEMPORARY JEWELLER

Tell us about your brand?

I design and make contemporary jewellery and objects. I work on commissions as well as self-directed projects for exhibitions and galleries. 

How did you get interested in jewellery?

When I still lived in Prague, I had a friend who is a jeweller. I always loved the jewellery she made. Whenever I had some spare cash, I would give her a design, and she made it for me. This inspired me to learn how to make it myself.  

How would you describe your style and ethos when it comes to jewellery design?

I would say my style has been continuously evolving depending on what stage of my life I am at and where am I finding myself geographically. In general, I would say I lean towards rather minimalist design with little unexpected element, for example in form of movement or something on that line. However, having said that, life events also pushed me to explore more busy aesthetics, as it was more relevant to the project conceptually. 

What are some of the more unusual materials or techniques that you like to work with?

I love silversmithing. I love working on larger scale objects. I find raising extremely rewarding, working flat sheet of metal into a form with just a hammer and heat! However, as much I love working with silver on larger scale and gold on smaller scale, I also love to experiment with non-precious materials. I enjoy this experimentation especially when I am traveling as I have no other choice anyway. I can’t take all my tools and materials with me on my travels. So I only work with materials that I can find on a beach, street or is given to me. With this approach, I have worked for example, with coconut shells, washed out thongs on the beach, or exotic woods from Brazil.

Do you have a favourite piece of jewellery?

Not really. 

Can you describe a typical day?

I don’t have a typical day at this stage of my life. I have 17 months old toddler and have been traveling with my young family for past 15 months. I try to squeeze in some “work time” every day at nap times and evenings, or on days when my partner is not working. The work that I get to do depends on the noise level. Sometimes it is just catching up on admin and scathing of new ideas that require proper workshop set up.

What’s been the highlight of your career so far?

It is hard to say. There have been a few moments in my career that I am grateful for as those led me to the next opportunities. Therefore, the way I look at it is that even seemingly small success might be the highlight even though it appears insignificant next to bigger achievement. 

The achievements and opportunities that did reassure me to keep going were for example: receiving 2008 Jewellery and Objects Award, being offered teaching position at TAFE DesignCentre Enmore in Jewellery and Object Design department where I initially studied or being commissioned by Gregory Gilmour to work on couple silversmithing projects for Holy Spirit Seminary Brisbane.

What do you love most about what you do?

I love the creativity, flexibility, and challenge. There is no end to learning, experimentation, and discovery. In addition, what I do can be isolating or interactive, depending on the project, and I love that. 

What’s the biggest challenge working with jewellery?

I suppose the biggest challenge working with contemporary jewellery is communicating the concept and educating the public about purpose and value of contemporary jewellery compared to traditional jewellery.  

Do you have any predictions for jewellery?

In my opinion, there will always be demand for traditional and costume jewellery even though they are both different in price and foundation. 

The future for contemporary jewellery, however, is a bit more complex. It is dependent on many factors such as aesthetics, open mindedness, level of interest in conceptual value and finances of an individual. 

What’s next for you?

My next step is to set up my studio once back in Australia and make all those ideas that I have sketched in the past 15 months of travelling. Also, I am planning a solo exhibition of pieces that I have made during my travels. 

To see more unique, handcrafted pieces visit her websitewww.radkapassianova.com.au