Liga Valge

Liga Valge, designer maker behind Valg Studio specialises in the medium of polymer clay to create simple, contemporary statement jewellery and sculptural wall art.

Q&A

What craft do you work with?

I remember seeing those amazing colourful earrings twelve years ago by an artist abroad. They were so unusual! I mean I never saw anything like it before and connected immediately. The sense of something very special, skillfully crafted and personal deeply resonated with me. I was amazed that something so beautiful can be created by hand and a couple months later I decided if someone else could learn and make these beautiful polymer clay designs I can do it too!Today wonderful experience working with polymer clay still excites me as much as when I started. Every time I begin to condition the clay I feel joy and desire to reach for new ideas.

What inspires you to work with this craft?

Colours and sheer versatility of the material allows me to do so
much. I can say that material itself is a source of inspiration,
connection and reflection. In the making process clay is handled
constantly; folded, stretched, textured, tapped, rubbed, pinched,
shaped, cut, sliced, caressed, sanded, polished and more.
The process, the steps, the rhythm, repetition, the attention to detail,
solution seeking, striving for perfection it is all part of this inspiring journey of a handmade craft. I believe every handmade piece of work holds an unwritten story that unfolds at the meeting point when work of craft and its viewer/wearer connect.

How would you best describe your workspace and what tools could you not do without?

Usually I work by the window in a large room moving between two
desks. I don’t need much space or tools to create but I find gorgeous
day light and being on my own gives me enormous joy, inspiration and
satisfaction.My favorite tools are very simple, craft knife and flexible blade for making sharp clean cuts.

Are there new techniques you would like to try?

There are but I’m not in a hurry. I like to perfect the skill and
explore chosen technique fully before moving to the next one. I would
love to explore more of Mokume Gane and large hollow forms this year.

What have you learnt or the best advice you have received that you would like to share with fellow crafters?

I am constantly amazed by possibilities and craftsmanship across all
craft disciplines. Very recently I bought beautifully crafted shoehorn made from beautiful and durable lilac tree wood. I’d love to collaborate with wood-turner and make colourful and intricate inlays in wood.Over
the pandemic I collaborated with an eco printing and felting expert and
loved it, I am open to challenges, exploring and new possibilities,
would collaborate with other artists, craftspeople and designers too.