MATILDE MORENO VERA The Floral Jeweler

My name is Matilde Moreno Vera and I am dedicated to crafting jewelry. 

I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina and have been creating contemporary jewelry in my workshop for the past seven years. 

I especially enjoy designing pieces for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays or anniversaries. 

WORKING IN MY STUDIO

THE BEGINNING

I currently live in Neuquén Patagonia Argentina, where I originally learned under the tutelage of different goldsmith masters basic techniques such as etching, soldering and polishing. 

I stumbled upon modern jewelry while looking for a medium that allowed me to apply what I have learned and give an identity to my designs. 

In my designs I seek to reflect my feelings and it is from these same feelings that I create the details on my pieces.

DAILY ROUTINE

My workshop and home feed into each other to create unique pieces of jewelry. 

Aside from being a mother, the hours in my workshop elapse during the morning when my children are at school. It is during the morning that my ideas and designs are formed and created. 

For most of my pieces I use silver 925 and mix it with copper, bronze and alpaca to give it color. I also use gold to create contrasts between the different metals.

DESIGN PROCESS

FINANCING

I work alone when designing and creating a piece, thus further ensuring the originality and uniqueness of each jewel. 

Sometimes, when I create an exceptional piece I repeat the design but change certain aspects that could have been improved upon, but again, no two pieces are ever the same. 

I participate in local art exhibitions so that people can see my work and also gain prominence through word of mouth which is extremely satisfying.

MY STUDIO

FLAGSHIP PRODUCTS

My favorite part of my job is the ability to personalize each piece. My designs are created by sketching them and crafting a model of the design. Typically, I ask for feedback from family and friends. 

During the course of the creation process I often modify the model as I construct it, and after being satisfied with the prototype I materialize the idea by creating the piece in metal. 

"MARGARITAS"

I also try on the jewelry to ensure comfort and critique how the design looks. 

One of my latest creations is my flagship product and consists of a flower forged from 925 silver and copper. I identify myself with this piece and regard it as reflection of my style and it is through this piece that you can become acquainted with my works. 

My other favorite piece is named “Maternidad” and reflects the small world that is created between pregnant mothers and their children. Just like in the story “The little Prince” by Antoine De Saint-Exupery, a small world of emotions can be found in a small planet. I especially enjoy reinventing this piece and recreating it in different forms.

"CASAMIENTO"

TRADITION AND INNOVATION

I work various different metals by employing traditional techniques and incorporating them into the creation of modern jewelry, thus allowing me to express what I feel. 

My passion is original creations that are extremely detailed. These pieces set a stark contrast to traditional jewelry which is generally created with molds and carries a serial number.

"NILLO FLOR"

GOALS

I believe that I still have much to learn as far as launching a collection or line of jewelry is concerned. 

Nowadays, my time is shared with my home, but I do not rule out the possibility of eventually launching my own collection.

LEGACY: What advice would you give to an aspiring artisan?

My advice to anyone who is starting would be to take all your ideas and inspirations from within yourself and stay true to what you enjoy. The most beautiful pieces are those that surge from within you.

 

MAKE A CALL TO WHO YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHOW YOUR WORK

My dream is that an important jewelry shop asked me to design their jewels. 

My work would therefore be much easier to do when designing since I would not have to worry about obtaining metal or precious stones. Creating without limits and without having to worry about costs or publicity would be liberating. 

CONTACT MATILDE MORENO

matmv@hotmail.com
www.matildemorenovera.com.ar
www.facebook.com/matilde.joyeriacontemporanea

ANTONIO PUJIA The Noble Sculptor

My name is Antonio Pujia and I am an artist, sculptor, and teacher. 

I was born in Polia, a small town in Calabria, Italy and immigrated to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I have lived since I was eight years old. 

I have been a sculptor since I was a young child and have over 70 years’ worth of experience as an artisan. 

WORKING IN MY STUDIO

THE BEGINNING

I was born in a small town without electricity, gas, or running water. As a child I would craft my own toys with clay gathered from the banks of a stream. 

At eight years old I immigrated with my parents to Argentina, and upon graduating from elementary school I enrolled in an Art institute and never stopped creating.

"VUELO"

DAILY ROUTINE

I wake up early and after having breakfast I walk about 700 meters from my house to my workshop. I then work until 12:30 and after having lunch I continue working from 3pm to 7pm. 

My schedule is fixed Mondays through Fridays, though I do work Saturday mornings and rest on Sundays. 

My working hours are that of the working class as I am a worker of art.

"MIRARSE EN UNO"

FINANCING

I stay in business by selling my works, which I create by working daily. 

"PAREJA EN PARQUE"

FLAGSHIP PRODUCTS

I work with a variety of materials, all of them regarded as noble and classics within sculpting from the beginning of time. 

I sculpt in marble and wood and model with clay and bees wax. These pieces are typically cast using the age old technique of melting away the wax on bronze or silver. 

Some of my most renown works are the small sculptures that I model in wax and cast in silver; many of them are jewels. 

The first of these sculptures was created because my wife asked me for a personalized piece of jewelry. 

MY STUDIO

TRADITION AND INNOVATION

My sculptures are crafted using the same techniques that were used by artisans for thousands of years; woodworking, stone sculpting and metal casting. 

I learned all of these techniques under at the art institute I attended and under the apprenticeship of various craftsmen. My innovation to the field consists of sculpting small sculptures that can be worn as jewelry. 

"PUREZA INCONTAMINADA"

 GOALS

This year I would like to take an exposition of my works across the interior of my country. 

To achieve this, however, I need funds for transportation and insurance.



LEGACY: What advice would you give to an aspiring artisan?

That I studied and worked hard; an artist is made through his works, not his words.

 

"MUJER MARIPOSA"

MAKE A CALL TO WHO YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHOW YOUR WORK

I would like anyone who is interested in my work to contact me.


CONTACT ANTONIO PUJIA

info@antoniopujia.com
www.antoniopujia.com
https://www.facebook.com/antonio.pujia.7