You originally studied Interior Design and Architecture, what made you decide to do jewellery design instead?
Some time ago, I felt the need for a change - a spiritual need.  I needed to explore more, to breathe deeper.  I had the opportunity to come to Europe, ending my journey in England. I was fortunate to find a job in a jewellery shop where I was encouraged to make my own jewellery designs. The change was very positive and the transition was natural.  The materials and dimensions may have changed but the design spirit still thrives.

Tell us about your most recent jewellery collection:
The collection was inspired by a Curtis Moffat photograph called 'Abstract Composition'. Initially, this photograph makes you think about a fairy, but when you pay more attention, you realize that it's actually a dragonfly. I wanted my collection to have a similar surprise effect. At first glance it appears to be one thing, yet at closer inspection it becomes something else.

What is your design process?
My design philosophy starts by designing and producing an initial theatrical piece that can be worn in a performance, on a catwalk, or exhibited in a gallery.  After I have created it, I produce various jewellery items based on different elements of that initial piece.  My work can evolve according to the stimulus of a moment, a sudden thought, a narrative, a theatrical piece, and any other that may raise my interest or attract my attention, especially my emotions.  

Tell us about your piece “Killed By Her Husband”
Domestic violence seems to be an issue which is ignored and difficult to acknowledge until something fatal occurs. People that suffer domestic violence do not talk about it because of their fear or because of their embarrassment. Many others deal with it in silence enduring years of physical and emotional abuse. The idea of this project was to show how we usually react to tragic events. I wanted to show something that at first sight seemed to be fine, but once we paid closer attention to what was really happening on scene, the viewer's feelings would awaken. I designed and produced a ring that had a very obvious violent scene, a male figure about to hit an unnoticed female figure both enclosed in a cage. To distract people from the violent scene I displayed the ring on a setting composed of an arm and hand surrounded by suggestive typography.
Some of the reactions were as expected. For example, some were very pleased with the setting, the use of light and a material, ignoring completely what was really happening on scene.  Some appreciated the display at the beginning and then reacted differently once acknowledging the shocking event, awakening  feelings of sadness, anger, powerlessness.      

Who inspires you?
I take pleasure in observing insects, moths and cockroaches because of the clashing relationship between their organic wings and  the rigid structure of their bodies. Nature inspires me. I like its complexity and simplicity at the same time.  But that is nothing new, nature inspires most of us.

What are you currently working on?
I am currently writing a short novel that I would like to use as a narrative for my next wearable object.  I have a clear image of the main character and an idea of what the argument is about, however I still have to find the way to materialise it.

CHeck out Tatiana's portfolio here

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