Thursday, April 29, 2010

Interview with Veronica Russek

This is the first of many interviews with all of our up and coming, metal-loving jewelry artists!

Veronica Russek from Monterrey, Mexico -- VeronicaRStudio

I love the modern femininity of Veronica's jewelry! She combines delicate pearls and gemstones with clean, modern lines to create pieces that are princess-worthy!

How did you get interested in metalsmithing
I have had a fascination with jewelry since I was a baby. I started buying pieces for myself ever since I had an allowance. Then I discovered beading and found that I could so pieces to wear myself, and started making pieces to sell. Then, I decided I needed to go to the next step, metalsmithing, and here I am, trying to learn something new every day.

Do you get more excited about the design or technical aspects of jewelry?
Design. I am amazed at conceptual jewelry, and I love every single aspect. A beautiful shank on a ring, a finished back, and how everything works together. Iconic designs that trascend the test of time awe me constantly, like a Peretti open heart, or a Cartier panther.

Do you find the process of experimentation frustrating or inspiring?
Frustrating. I like to experiment, but I need to see a clear finish line at the end of the tunnel.

What part of your work do you most enjoy?
I love the manual aspect, sawing, filing, giving it shape.

What part of your work do you find the hardest?
I still have a hard time with soldering and find finishing a little bit tedious.

What technique do you wish you knew or want to learn?
Flush setting. I love the look of burnished stones in metal!

Where do you get/find your inspiration?
Everywhere, nature, art, fashion trends, looking at people.

What are your favorite items in your store right now?
I love this pearl necklace and will keep it if it doesn't sell. Three Strand Pearls.  And I think this one is really cool! Bubbles

Name a metalsmith whose work you admire?
I love and admire the work of these Etsy sellers
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SBJewelry
http://www.etsy.com/shop/mcfarlanddesigns

What is the best advice you have received?
Stay true to yourself and always imprint your own DNA in every piece you make.

Give Veronica some love. We're all here to learn and grow and all input is welcomed! Visit her Etsy shop: VeronicaRStudio

11 comments:

  1. What an excellent first interview! Kudos to Veronica and Deb. It is going to be so fun learning about everyone!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great job you two! I really like looking into your creative thinking like this. This is going to be fun reading these for everyone.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Awesome interview! It's great to be able to get to know everyone a little better this way. And thanks to Deb for putting it all together!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Awww, thank you so much Deb! I am grateful for the feature and I'm also looking forward to reading other interviews and see how other metal artists respond.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wonderful interview...congrats to both interviewER and interviewEE!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Loved reading this interview. It's always interesting to learn more about the artisan behind the creations! I'm looking forward to reading the next one.

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is a great idea, and I really enjoyed learning more about you Veronica!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thoroughly enjoyed the interview, reminded me of the Proust interviews at the back of "Vanity Fair" every month...made me laugh and think, it's always so nice to share frustrations and little joys with people who really understand! Just for fun, here's a link to the Vanity Fair Proust questionnaire of comedian Bill Maher, in case you aren't familiar with the style...http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2010/05/proust-maher-201005

    ReplyDelete
  9. GREAT feature!! Well done Deb and Veronica! "More! More! More!"

    ReplyDelete
  10. Such a great interview! Good work Veronica and Deb. :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great interview! Good reading!

    ReplyDelete