Interview about Dance Bracelet, winner of the A' Jewelry Design Award 2024
Through the art of jewelry making, the designer wanted to create an object that reminds the wearer of enjoying every moment of life. Dancing with its long tradition and cultural significance were the main inspiration by creating this silver bracelet. The form of each link shows two abstracted people who are dancing together. Combined with light reflections the jewelry brings the idea of constant movement without seen beginning or ending.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsOrder and balance have always been integral to my life. I am naturally drawn to clean geometric lines and symmetry, but my upbringing in an artistic family introduced me to the fluid, emotive qualities of art. This tension between my appreciation for structure and my exposure to artistic expression has profoundly shaped my creative process. The golden ratio exemplifies this fusion of mathematics and art. This ratio, approximately 1:1.618, is derived from Fibonacci numbers and represents a harmony found in nature, mathematics, and art. Its inherently aesthetic proportions are often described as the most visually pleasing. In designing the Dance Bracelet, I consciously incorporated these principles. The careful balance between angular and curved elements reflects my love for geometry, while the dynamic flow of the design captures the expressive movement inspired by art. By integrating the golden ratio into the proportions of the bracelet, I aimed to create a piece that feels both mathematically precise and artistically resonant, embodying the timeless beauty of this intersection.
The bracelet's unique closure mechanism, which allows each link to be opened individually, was inspired by a desire to preserve the elegance and continuity of the design. Traditional closure mechanisms, while functional, often disrupt the aesthetic flow of a piece. I wanted to find a solution that maintained the bracelet's clean and seamless appearance while still providing a secure and functional fastening method. During the design process, I focused on refining the shape to ensure the bracelet remained securely fastened when worn, addressing the challenge of unintentional opening. While this mechanism may not necessarily be faster or easier than conventional designs, it integrates harmoniously with the overall aesthetic, enhancing the wearer’s experience by combining functionality with visual appeal.
The works of Nicolas Lancret are characterized by a dynamic sense of movement, which I sought to capture in the Dance Bracelet despite the inherent constraints of working with jewelry rather than paint. To translate this sense of motion, I began by sketching dancing figures inspired by his paintings, focusing on side profiles to distill the essence of their fluid movements. As I transitioned to CAD modeling, it became clear that each link should echo the letter "O," a shape prominently reflected in Henri Matisse's "Dance." This circular form embodies both unity and motion, resonating with Matisse's themes. Matisse's work has long fascinated me - not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for the emotional depth and personal dilemmas he expressed. By weaving these artistic inspirations into a contemporary design, I aimed to honor their timeless essence while creating a modern, wearable interpretation.
To achieve the illusion of continuous movement in the bracelet, I deliberately avoided horizontal lines, focusing instead on smooth transitions between vertical lines that best represent the human figure. The goal was to create a sense of interconnection and flow, so I designed the figures to interpenetrate one another, joining their arms at the top and their legs at the bottom. To maintain the dynamic aesthetic while accommodating functionality, I had to break the link at a strategic point to bypass the need for a standard closure mechanism. I chose the space between the chest and the head, at the woman's shoulder, as this break remains nearly invisible from the side, preserving the bracelet's fluidity. Additionally, I angled the woman’s silhouette slightly more obliquely to enable the bracelet to wrap around the wrist comfortably. This adjustment not only served a practical purpose but also enhanced the overall dynamism of the design, reinforcing the impression of movement in a static silver form.
This is indeed a challenging question, as my dual background in art and mathematics influences my work in nuanced ways. On one hand, my mathematical studies encourage me to seek formulas and structures that provide direction and order in my designs. On the other hand, my artistic side seeks freedom and expression, wanting to "spread its wings." The Dance Bracelet is a reflection of this balance - a compromise between aesthetic values and precise proportions. Mathematics provided the foundation for achieving harmony and proportion, while my artistic instincts guided the creative flow of the design. Balancing these two disciplines is often a challenge, as my studies demand a significant amount of time that I would otherwise love to dedicate to designing. However, this duality ultimately enriches my work, pushing me to create pieces like the Dance Bracelet that unite the rigor of mathematics with the emotional resonance of art.
Dance is a universal expression of joy and celebration, interpreted similarly across many cultures. In the Dance Bracelet, I sought to embody this spirit by designing each link to symbolize the dynamic movements of dance. These links connect seamlessly, creating a bracelet with no discernible beginning or end. This continuity reflects the unbroken flow of emotions and state of mind experienced during dance - a moment of pure presence and joy. The closed form of the bracelet reinforces this idea, suggesting that the happiness and vitality of dance can be eternal, serving as a constant reminder to "enjoy every moment of life."
My research into Timorese ceremonial bracelets opened my eyes to cultural dimensions I hadn’t been fully aware of before. I was particularly fascinated by how objects are perceived and imbued with cultural significance in different parts of the world. Incorporating these unique characteristics into my designs felt essential, as they add depth and meaning to the pieces. For me, wearable art is no different from fine art. It’s not just about creating something visually appealing or showcasing technical mastery; it’s also about conveying thoughts, emotions, and messages - often in ways that aren’t immediately visible. Drawing from Timorese traditions allowed me to infuse the Dance Bracelet with a sense of cultural richness and narrative, transforming it into a piece that goes beyond aesthetics to engage with a broader artistic and human story.
The primary consideration behind designing the bracelet to accommodate mixed materials was practicality for everyday life. Over time, it’s natural for jewelry to experience wear, such as scratches or accidental damage. By allowing for customization, the bracelet becomes more adaptable and easier to maintain. The second reason was to offer the wearer a piece that could grow and evolve over time. Just as our financial situations, personal styles, and preferences change, I wanted the bracelet to reflect these transformations. For instance, achieving a milestone could be marked by replacing an element with one crafted from a more valuable metal - like leveling up in a game. Additionally, this versatility enhances the bracelet’s cohesiveness with other jewelry. If you acquire a new piece in a different metal, you can swap one or two elements of the bracelet to match, creating a unified and personalized look. This adaptability ensures the Dance Bracelet remains a meaningful and versatile companion throughout life’s journey.
The A' Design Award has reinforced my belief that I am on the right path with my designs, rather than changing my vision for jewelry. This recognition has given me the confidence to pursue my creative aspirations with greater focus and determination. Initially, Renderamo was conceived as a service company aimed at making 3D design and printing more accessible to private individuals. In its early stages, I wanted to test the market's interest and the potential profitability of such services. However, since receiving the award, my perspective has shifted significantly. I now see the potential to make a meaningful impact in the design world, and my focus has shifted entirely to creating artistic jewelry under my personal brand, MMK Studios. I invite you to explore my journey, my designs, and the development of my international brand by visiting my website, www.mmkstudios.com. For regular insights into my life and creative process, I encourage you to follow me on Instagram and LinkedIn, where I plan to share content regularly.
To create a design that transcends traditional gender-specific jewelry conventions, I began by collecting a wide range of reference images of bracelets, analyzing their characteristics, and identifying elements that appealed to different genders. This research helped me understand the common features that might influence perception while also challenging conventional notions of masculine and feminine design. From there, I approached the design process iteratively, working toward a balance between angular and round elements. The angular components introduce a structured and bold aesthetic, while the round elements add softness and fluidity. This interplay creates a harmonious design that feels universal and inclusive, resonating with individuals regardless of gender. My goal was to craft a piece that prioritizes personal expression over traditional norms, offering a versatile bracelet that anyone can wear and feel connected to, without it being defined by gender-specific expectations.
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