Spot the Designer - Mihaela Ciocalteu/ Romania

What did you want to be when you were a child?

I was and still am fascinated with the arts of theater and film.Beforehand, I wanted to become an actress ... Then, I wanted to take up architecture. Both of them stayed dormant, on a level of true appreciation and desire.In the meantime, I grew up and unfolded and I am currently overjoyed with the fact that I can practice what I love the most, and that is taming metal.

When have you started creating jewelry? How did this passion come about?

It was the demand and longing of the soul to find its true self, to learn and uncover new things, to use my creativity without being restricted or held-back in any way… Since as long as I can remember, I deeply admired metal. I first discovered metal clay then David Sandu's classes came along, 5 years ago... Pure JOY followed ! Or should i say EVRIKA ?!

What was your first project or significant piece for you and from what point of view?

My first project was also my first collection, "Tears and Angels", which found me in a rather difficult and challenging moment of my life.I am naturally an optimist of all sorts but, the moment itself being what it was, I got to know the power of creativity born from suffering and pain. It was an interesting and stimulating experience to say the least, a lesson I'd dare to say that I have properly learned.

How do you charge your batteries? What other passions and creative interests do you have?

Movies, theater, reading and practicing sports or any kind of physical activity.I would like to explore a broader spectrum of creativity but, unfortunately, time is not my ally.

What does the connection between manufacturing tradition and contemporary design mean to you?

It means the encounter between the old and the new, but taking into consideration that nowadays there are many extremely talented women who can express themselves freely and beautifully. It means that it becomes mandatory to get out of your comfort zone and experience and practice more, which is very good to some extent.Basically, the wheel is already invented, it is up to you to make it work for yourself.

Is there a self-portrait piece that speaks most about you?

Yes, somehow.The piece is part of the "Ancestors" collection and its name is Revelation.It is one of my favourite pieces of jewelry, I care deeply about it. Like the whole collection, it was profoundly felt, thought out and created for my grandmother, whom I never met but whom I love beyond words.

Which material have you not yet used is a temptation and a challenge for you?

Gold and resin appeal to me, they intrigue me. I am impatient to integrate them, to blend and harmonize  them with my first love, silver.Gold and resin appeal to me, they intrigue me. I am impatient to integrate them, to blend and harmonize  them with my first love, silver.

How do you see the future of contemporary jewelry?

Sooner or later, contemporary jewelry will most definitely have a more explosive prospect. The world became accustomed to it and is still learning to look for the story-behind-scenes and the manifesto in a piece of jewelry; they started looking for the touched-and-touching pieces, the author pieces of jewelry.

Find more about the designer Semper Argentum

Assamblage Association