Spot the Designer - Hanna Lisova/ Ukraine
What did you want to be when you were a child?
From my childhood, I was always interested in art - constantly sculpting and painting, so I dreamed of becoming an artist. Well, things turned out a little differently, and I'm very happy to be connected to the world of art!
When have you started creating jewelry? How did this passion come about?
I've been creating jewelry since I was 15 years old. That's how old I was when russia occupied my hometown - Makiivka. I was still going to school at that time, my parents didn't want to leave, and missiles were flying overhead, shelling was constantly heard. Creating jewelry became my salvation. I wanted to distract myself, and since I've loved creating things since childhood, I started making jewelry from epoxy resin and polymer clay.
What was your first project or significant piece for you and from what point of view?
The only place where I felt calm and safe was the forest. I love nature very much. So, some of my first creations were leaves and flowers preserved in epoxy resin. Among them, the most special to me were the guitar picks - a tool for playing the guitar. I played the guitar a lot at that time, and I wanted my picks to be unique and symbolic to me. That's why I made them from dried wildflowers. They were truly one-of-a-kind, and I was very proud of them.
How do you charge your batteries? What other passions and creative interests do you have?
Travel used to be my main way to seek new experiences and energy. Now, it's challenging with airports closed due to danger. So, currently, sports help me - stretching, yoga, gym workouts, sometimes pole dancing. I also handcraft candles, which is one of my hobbies - a very useful one as candles provide comfort during blackouts. I also paint at times.And, of course, relaxation comes from spending time in nature and with my family - my husband and our two snakes.
What does the connection between manufacturing tradition and contemporary design mean to you?
For me, it's about balance. On one hand, preserving traditions is important. On the other hand, change represents progress. If everything remains exactly as it was years ago, there won't be any development. So, finding a balance between preserving core traditions and embracing new technologies is essential to me. They shouldn't hinder each other; instead, they should complement and create something unique.
Is there a self-portrait piece that speaks most about you?
This is a photo with my first snake. It symbolizes that I am the creator of my own life. A white python was my dream, and I made it a reality. I take pride in myself in this photo.
Which material have you not yet used is a temptation and a challenge for you?
More on the technical side. Stone cutting. In the future, I plan to learn stone cutting, which is a very complex process. It will be a real challenge. It's precisely the complexity that attracts me.
How was the pandemic period for you as a jewelry designer?
On one hand, it's challenging, on the other, it's a period of growth. Difficulties make us stronger. Unfortunately, during the pandemic, my uncle, my mother's brother, passed away from complications after COVID-19. It was a heavy blow for the family and for me too. I went through a period of depression. As always, I found solace in my work and worked a lot. During the pandemic, my art reached a new level, and I opened my own showroom practically in the center of Kyiv, which I'm very proud of. Unfortunately, it's not operational now due to the war, but I plan to reopen it in the near future, even in such circumstances.
How do you see the future of contemporary jewelry?
Conscious and responsible. You know the phrase "art is beyond politics"? I hate that phrase. Art is about everything. It's a way to influence people's consciousness, inspire them, talk about important things, instill values, and showcase the beauty of the world. But, unfortunately, the world is not only beautiful; it also has many terrible things, like war. The role of art is not to hide or turn away but to bravely confront problems and be honest with both oneself and the audience. The role of art, including jewelry art, is to improve the world, make it conscious and safe, convey important messages and meanings, nurture modern qualities in people - tolerance, environmental awareness, mutual respect, acceptance of diversity. The role of art is to inspire people to develop and, in doing so, change the world for the better. That's how I see the future of contemporary jewelry art.
Find more about the designer Hanna Lisova