Violeta Kozlova’s work focuses on traditional methods of crafting jewellery, creating folded, metal shapes in geometric forms. Once soldered into shape, each is powder-coated in either white, light or dark grey, and then finished with gold or silver leaf. Her first collection comprises pendants, rings, bangles, brooches and earrings.
All one-off pieces, each is finished with gold or silver leaf as a subtle, often hidden element to the design. The unexpected details add a secondary layer to the collection, adding a softer side to the hard, angled shapes, as well as a bit of sparkle to the minimalist pieces.
Her early explorations led her to consider and experiment with the senses – adding tactility of the collection as well as adding fragrance to the components. By using a textured polymer clay with a subtle scent, the relaxing fragrance is released as the wearer moves.
“The outer metal parts gives stability as if you could rely on them, the inner parts have an organic pattern and relaxing scent that gives a sense of nature.” she explains.
The collection also explores her love of architecture from minimalist to brutalist, and from geometric to organic. Drawing on inspiration from the way a building sits within a natural or urban environment, and how it agitates as well as complements its surroundings, finding its own balance.
The combination of hard lines and the placement of the metallic leafing is no accident. The juxtaposition of the two elements is at the heart of Violeta’s work, and finding and accomplishing inner balance is something that is extremely important to her design process.
“Inner balance is everything for me,” says Violeta. “There is nothing more important than feeling myself calm and harmonious no matter what happens in life. My jewellery pieces represent my desire to find this balance and peace.”
Interestingly, she is also a twin which may go some way to explaining her need for balance, order and symmetry in some of her pieces. But regardless of her roots, the combination of the hard and the soft, the geometric and organic showcases a contemporary use of bold and delicate materials. A modern and futuristic collection that also draws on ancient spirituality, something that creates a balance all of its own.
Violeta graduated this summer having studied jewellery design at the School of Jewellery at Birmingham City University, and showcased her collection at New Designer’s in London.
A selection of Violeta’s work is available to buy now through Look Like Love
