Spot the Designer - Céline Poudroux/ France

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

When I was a child, I wanted to become either an archaeologist like Indiana Jones or Lara Croft, or one of Santa Claus’s elves. Imagining people who could create objects that bring happiness added magic to an already enchanting time. As an adult, I turned this dream into a reality.

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

I became genuinely interested in jewelry making three years ago, to be honest. By education, I am an architect and designer, and I worked in that field for several years. However, I later shifted towards textile design, creating fabric sculptures and animal busts. In pursuit of this passion, I delved into fashion design, natural dyeing, and eventually ventured into crafting accessories like glasses and jewelry. That’s how I began my journey in jewelry making, and I must admit, it quickly became a profound passion of mine. Every day is a new day of discovery.This profession offers so many avenues for creativity and experimentation ; it’s truly fascinating. What excites me the most about my work is the transformation of materials. Starting with a raw element and turning it into something entirely different, being able to sculpt objects, and playing with various materials and textures. Jewelry making allows me to conceive my creations as wearable sculptures.

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

The cuff “ The Milanese Flight “ is the piece of jewelry I am most proud of. It was a true challenge for me. I created it for the 2022 Milano Jewelry Week exhibition, which marked my first participation in an international showcase. Exhibiting alongside a selection of talented jewelers with many more years of experience was, in my eyes, unimaginable. I was determined to create a piece of jewelry that would draw upon all the skills I had acquired in the field of jewelry making up to that point. I work with hand forging techniques and do not use 3D printing or lost-wax casting. Therefore, I hand-forged this piece entirely, and I did it in just a few days due to scheduling constraints. Besides its 100 grams of silver, two elements make it a masterpiece. Firstly, the technical challenge lay in forging such a large surface. Silver is sensitive to overheating, yet it requires intense heat across the entire piece to be worked. The second element is the approach I took to this project. I did not start with the idea of creating a cuff but rather a sculpture. I wanted this piece to be minimalist in its lines but also poetic. In reality, this bird represents me. From that moment, I took flight in the world of jewelry making. I dared to showcase my work and reveal myself through it, and I am delighted to be exhibited alongside all these talented jewelers whom I deeply respect and admire.

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

I love discovering new things ; I’m naturally curious. Currently, I’m exploring the joys of crocheting, so for future rainy, gray, and cold days, I’m practicing making granny squares. On sunny days, I enjoy geocaching. It’s a kind of treasure hunt, and it’s really fun to discover new places in an interactive way.

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

In a world where many of us are seeking to find meaning in what they do, consume, and produce, craftsmanship is an answer. Craftsmanship is the product of skills and a way of being. It creates a strong connection between the artisan and their customer, between their art and the audience, between the eras that witnessed the technique’s birth and the contemporary world that embraces its results. it also allows for a fresh and original breath in contemporary art and creation. In my eyes, nothing can replace the human touch. It’s what gives soul to the object, this human imperfection, which reflects back to us and our environment.

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

I have always had a strong affinity for textiles. However, when I started in jewelry making, I exclusively worked with metals. Early on , I had the desire to combine different materials, with them serving each other just as my technical skills do. Initially, jewelry was an integral part of my busts, complementing them. Coming from the world of textile sculpture, I’ve always had a connection with natural fibers. Today, and especially in the collection I am presenting at the Romanian Jewelry Week, I blend two creative worlds that are close to my heart, all while maintaining the same passion for transforming materials, regardless of their nature.

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

I am curious about enamels. Being able to add color to metal catches my eye. It must be fascinating to play with colors, create gradients, and discover the final result when it comes out of the oven. I also have a strong desire to try patina, other than just oxidizing silver. I believe that color will be the next step in my creative journey.

How was the pandemic period for you as a jewelry designer?

The pandemic, as tragic and frightening as it has been, has been truly beneficial for my current work. In fact, I started training in jewelry making during this period. I didn’t even notice the time passing by. Everyone had to face the pandemic and reinvent themselves. Consequently, everything was happening online. It was a blessing for my learning journey. I was able to train with jewelers from around the world, and when the opportunity arose, I participated in workshops with contemporary jewelers who lived not far from me. It was a blend of local and international experiences.

How do you see the future of contemporary jewelry?

In the field of jewelry, where everything is possible, new technologies are going to bring a touch of novelty. Combining the new with the old already enriches creativity. I believe there will be boldness and a touch of avant-garde. A true playground for all creatives.

Find more about the designer Celine Poudroux