What do you think, what are the characteristics of an artists? Google’s first search results say (1, 2) that a highly creative person loves adventure, has a desire for discovery, is strongly driven by his / her passion and stays true to what matters most to heart and soul, no matter what. There is some contradiction in the articles I’ve read: one says creatives tend to be less honest, as they can come up with surprising thoughts to justify their deeds, than another source states exactly the opposite, referring to their higher level of empathy. But there are some qualities which appear in every one of the articles.
One of this features is the desire to find new, unexplored ways, develop a new solution or open a topic previously ignored or considered taboo. To leave the safe path one has to step out into the unknown and has to face getting lost or walking in circles before he or she finds the right direction. It is confusing and frustrating sometimes, so an artist needs to be brave and strong to follow his / her idea, even if tradition and a thousand voices around shout that it won’t lead anywhere.
Artizana is pushing the limits of contemporary beadwork.
And with her body jewelry in the Battle of the Beadsmith 2014
she showed us that even the unimaginable is possible.
The “Anatomic Beauty” is very different than everything else was in the competition. No pretty flowers or butterflies, no flashy colors or overflowing, abundant decoration. ArtizAna kept it seemingly simple: a monochromatic design with perfect, straightforward lines – just like the ribs and the spinal of the human body are shaped.
I think if Ripley from the Alian-saga needs a fitting piece of jewelry, she should contact ArtizAna for a chance to wear the “Anatomic Beauty”. A steady and solid person is needed to give justice to this futuristic, armor-like jewel with a well-balanced touch of elegance and feminism. And who could be better, than the woman from the future, who manages to fight off the ultimate predator of the outer space? 🙂
You will find here interviews with jewelry makers and fashion designers every second week.
Together with them I wish you a pleasent time reading!
Please tell us about yourself and your brand a bit!
I have been a creative person all my life. In love with art, colors and beauty but not bold enough to express myself in a artistic way. I am reserved, also a perfectionist and my own biggest critic. But finally one day I dared to try it anyway… and I discovered beading.
How did your story as a designer begin? Do you remember the first piece you sold?
I made a necklace consisting of small black roses made out of polymer clay and beads sewn on leather. I was happy with the result – so I continued. Soon I discovered beading. At first I learned the basic techniques and I was fascinated. I could not stop beading. I realized that beads are used only in classic jewelry design and decided to make them more contemporary. So I focused on bead construction. I am self-taught and I am always experimenting with different materials and techniques.
Please tell us how does your average day look like! It’s so exciting to get to know more about the lifestyle of a designer!
Any day begins with a big, strong coffee :)) and making a work plan. I am not making beaded jewelry as hobby. It is my main activity now. I work all day and I just love what I do!
For what kind of occasions can we wear your pieces? What’s the woman who wears your design like?
ArtizAna jewelry can be worn on any occasion – day or evening. I make jewelry for special events, too. I had my jewelry worn even in music videos! I just love statement pieces and bold colors. However I think my pieces fit the best strong and confident women. Women with not such strong personality may feel slightly overwhelmed.
What makes your designs stand out of the crowd of other designers? Which are your favorite colors, shapes, materials etc?
I give a modern, contemporary breath to beaded jewelry. What best represents me is body jewelry, three-dimensional and sculptural pieces. I wish I could do more of that.
Where does your inspiration come from? Do you have some rituals to boost your creative energy?
I find inspiration everywhere: on the street, in architecture, nature, fashion. But most of the time I get new ideas while working. I have a vision of a piece. Than I begin to put it into practice. During this process there are always changes. So until the last bead nobody knows what it will be :)))
Do you have a piece of jewelry you made, that is somehow special to you?
I can not say I have a favorite jewelry piece that I made. They all have something special. I have invested time and soul in each of them. They are all part of me.
If you could design something for a well-known person or maybe a fictional character from a film or book, who would it be, and why?
I do not want to create especially for a star or a famous person. Most important is to make the average person feel like a star! Then I know I did a good job as a designer.
What kind of clothes and accessories do you wear? Who are your favorite designers and why?
In everyday life I have a masculine, casual style with a feminine touch. I love shirts and oxford shoes. I am not exactly a dress and skirt kind of girl, but on certain occasions I like a tight feminine dress. As fashion designers I like Cushnie et Ochs and Lanvin. I am obssesed with Balmain and I get inspired by haute couture generally.
What is your goal in the future? Where would you like to see your brand?
My future goal as a designer is to make the most unexpected and unusual beaded jewelry. To see my jewelry worn increasingly often. The greatest satisfaction I have is when I see a women wearing my jewelry!
Where can we see and buy your designs?
Thank you very much for answering my questions, Ana!
Tell ArtizAna in a comment, how do you like her art!
And what do you think about the new series “Face to face?”
Whould you like to tell us more about your art and be featured in one of the upcoming interviews?
Don’t hesitate and drop me a line here 🙂
ArtizAna; I adore your designs. The structure in their simplicity makes them stunning and very chic.
Hi Linda, thank you for reading the interview. I am happy you like ArtizAna’s works, I think they are really innovative and stylish!