2 October 2023
In this article we will describe our process of creating the Miss Closius Collection as a response to the contest organised by Brașov Art Museum.
The organizers invited creators from Romania to capture the essence and interpret classical art through contemporary and timeless creations, thus bringing a new perspective on ways to capitalize on heritage.
"I appreciated the originality of the proposals and the narratives built by the artists around the created jewelry. The projects included in this project bear the imprint of the heritage elements that inspired them, being at the same time unique, timeless jewels", said Bianca-Maria Bălșan, manager of the Brașov Art Museum.
Cristina Felipe noted: “Considering the criteria and objective of this challenging and timely competition, as a member of the jury I prioritized the contemporary character of the concept and form, the rigor of presentation and the viability of the production. I appreciated the dedicated manner in which all contestants reflected on the challenge and wrote about their concepts."
Transforming Tradition: A Contemporary Twist on Jewelry Design
In the realm of design, the quest to marry tradition with contemporary aesthetics often leads to remarkable innovations. Such is the case with the creative journey that brought forth a new perspective on jewelry design. In this article, we delve into the artistic process that led to the creation of a unique and versatile decorative element, challenging conventions and reimagining the concept of excess in jewelry.
The Miss Closius Collection, created within the Timeless Jewelry "Echoes of Prestige" contest organized by the Brașov Art Museum and co-financed by AFCN will be exhibited at
ROJW Romanian Jewelry Week / between 4-8 October 2023 / details
Cotroceni National Museum / between 4-8 October 2023 / details
Brașov Art Museum / opening 20 October 2023
Choosing the Prunkbrosche Pendant Brooch as the Muse
Our starting point was to take a well-recognized object, the Prunkbrosche pendant brooch, and distill its essence into a simplified, minimalist form that would seamlessly fit within a contemporary theme. This transformation required a keen eye for design and an appreciation for the elegance of simplicity.
Simplification Meets Adaptation
The central challenge lay in the art of simplification. How could we pare down the opulence of the Prunkbrosche into a form that could be both decorative and adaptable to a modern context? The answer lay in the power of repetition, as we harnessed the mesmerizing potential of repeated forms to construct an exquisite decorative pattern.
An Unexpected Material Evolution
To breathe fresh life into this project, we took a daring step. Instead of indulging in excess and precious materials, we opted for the unconventional. Ordinary materials, ones typically far removed from the realm of jewelry and preciousness, replaced their opulent counterparts. The grandeur of excess was reinterpreted through the disciplined repetition of forms, all while carefully maintaining aesthetic equilibrium.
PVC: The Unlikely Hero
In stark contrast to the allure of gold, we turned to PVC as our supporting material. This choice was a rebellion against conventionality, an embrace of the industrial, the cool, the contemporary, the durable, and the recyclable. We considered not only the artistic aspect but also the practicalities of our creation. The product had to be resistant, ergonomic, easy to wear, non-toxic, malleable, and offer a touch of adaptability to our concept.
From 3D to Almost 2D: The Evolution of Form
A pivotal moment in our creative journey was the realization that our jewelry would defy expectations. We sculpted our final objects to be flat, almost 2D, with a mere 2mm thickness. This transition transformed jewelry into an envelope of artistry, with the packaging itself becoming an integral part of the product. It served not only as a protective cocoon but also as a canvas for the narrative of our creation.
In conclusion, our journey from tradition to innovation, from excess to minimalism, and from precious to ordinary materials reshaped the very essence of jewelry design. The Prunkbrosche pendant brooch may have been our starting point, but the destination was a realm where tradition and contemporary aesthetics coexist harmoniously. This artistic evolution reminds us that, in the world of design, the boundaries are only limited by the imagination of the creator.
The entire collection can be discovered here
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