Margo Orlovik
I am a jewellery artist-designer. My favourite techniques at present are casting, because it is such a broad field, and enamelling where I have been experimenting a lot.
Q&A
What craft do you work with?
I am a jewellery artist-designer. I started making jewellery in 2017. My journey into jewellery has been quite long. Originally educated in linguistics, translation and media studies I have always been interested in art and making. Before eventually discovering jewellery I explored many other visual art disciplines, particularly photography, drawing and painting and glass casting and sculpture. I first decided to try jewellery as small scale sculpture using different kinds of materials and techniques. I love exploring new materials and techniques. I think my favourite techniques at present are casting, because it is such a broad field, and enamelling where I have been experimenting a lot.
What inspires you to work with this craft?
I find it very special that jewellery is a sculpture for the body. There is a unique relationship between a piece of jewellery and the wearer – it’s a relationship with their body but equally a representation of their emotions, their attitude toward the outside world and their view of themselves. My jewellery is never meant as a pure adornment but rather as a tool to convey a message about the wearer. In that sense it at the same time a very personal and a very public object. I make jewellery in different materials, both precious and non-precious, depending on the specific project or collection. I like modelling in wax which is such a versatile material. I also love enamel which is lets me experiment with colour and texture in different ways.
How do you start your creative process?
My work is very often process led, especially when working with soft wax or experimental enamel. As the behaviour of the materials cannot be fully predicted I prefer to just start working and building up on that in a very practical way rather than working from precise drawings. Things are often unpredictable and I enjoy that very much. There are so many interesting things everywhere around us and the difficult part is always prioritising and giving up some of the ideas, even if only temporarily, in order to create necessary time and focus on selected project.
How would you best describe your workspace and what tools could you not do without?
A central space for each jeweller is their bench. Traditional jewellery is a very tool-heavy and tool dependant craft. There is a tool for everything and in all possible sizes too. A set of good files is very important for every jewellery working with metal, including myself. One of my most used tools is my micro motor which is very versatile and with different attachments lets me drill holes, remove metal or polish different surfaces.
Are there new techniques you would like to try?
I would like to learn more stone setting techniques and take my wax carving skills to the next level. I would also at some point be very interested in working with porcelain. That would be entirely new for me in terms of materials as ceramics is one of a few areas I have never really explored.
What have you learnt or the best advice you have received that you would like to share with fellow crafters?
My advice would be to always try new things and explore as in most cases it will bring a result and even if it ‘fails’ it will teach you something new about your craft.
What other types of craft do you dream of collaborating with?
I would be very excited to collaborate within fashion to creatively implement my jewellery skills into a garment. I would love to collaborate with glass makers; I am equally interested in glass casting (of which I have experience) and glass painting and blowing (which I have never tried). Another craft areas I am particularly interested in are: embroidery, printmaking, bookbinding, stone carving and blacksmithing.
What professional dream do you have?
One of my dreams is to design and deliver a solo exhibition of sculptural and photographic work inspired by my earlier exploration in the areas of jewellery and photography.
Media & Contact
Representation
I am a sole trader/self-employed, independent artist, business name Margo Orlovik
References
Website: margoorlovik.com
Instagram: margo_orlovik
Vimeo: vimeo.com/margoorlovik
Location
London, United Kingdom