RAFAEL ALVAREZ: The Painter Jeweler

My name is Rafael Luis Alvarez and I am a jeweler, painter and physics profesor.

Since I first began working on jewelery, I decided to link design with painting, in such a way as to unite these two passions in a single artistic work.

From a technical standpoint, I’ve managed to link these two passions through the use of engraving. Through trial and error I`ve devised a method that I`ve named “Surface modeling”, which allows me to combine metals and obtain well defined figures that are on par with the results obtained from etching.

Jewelery and painting are passions that motivate me; I began studying them in 1990 and from 1992 until 1999 I systematically worked until I was able to establish my workshop. 

WORKING IN MY STUDIO

THE BEGINNING

I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I studied physics and began working with the intention of becoming independent. After 10 years of working as a teacher, I decided to study jewelry making, drawing and painting as a way with which to unite various different artistic traditions.

After many years of studying and working, I established my workshop and eventually developed my engraving technique known as “surface modeling” with which I craft the majority of my works. 

"NACIMIENTO" BROOCH, SILVER 925 AND COPPER

DAILY ROUTINE

I usually begin working at 9am by going to my workshop which is located in my house; I work alone and manage my workload according to the expectations and needs of my customers.

I typically purchase my materials from specialized shops or create them myself. Generally, I do not delegate responsibilites or work with others, save when time constraints demand it.

MY WORKSPACE

FINANCING

I finance myself through the sale of my works, but primarily through teaching lessons in my workshop to various students.

WORKING ON A BUCKLE DESIGN

FLAGSHIP PRODUCTS

My flagship product was born from my desire to link painting with jewelery, as well as the idea of adding texture and including different metals within a single piece.

The piece, a belt buckle named “En el Agua” which won first place at the “Salon de Artesania y Diseno de Berazategui” in 2008, is composed of various inter-twined shapes.

The most recent innovation in my product line is the belt buckle known as “Las Hojas” which is crafted in 925 silver and copper. 

"IN THE WATER" BUCKLE

TRADITION AND INNOVATION

I rescue from traditional jewelry making the process of working precious metals with traditional techniques.

With regards to my original designs, I believe that they represent a variant of traditional works with an air of innovation. 

"LAS HOJAS" BUCKLE

GOALS

I would like my work to be recognized both nationally and internationally, as well as to be able to exhibit my products and sell them to people in the art world.

To accomplish my goal I believe it is necessary for me to achieve a greater diffusion of my work, perhaps through specialized marketing or advertising.

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

I would advise any aspiring artisan to focus strongly on techniques, but above all to stay true to their inner voice and expressive necessities.

WOODEN RING

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

Esteemed owner of a store or gallery, I would like to introduce you to an artisanal argentine product that is crafted with care and innovation; with a particular care for the technical as well as a uniquely personal touch.

I would like for you to appraise my work and value its merits and possibilities in the market.

CONTACT RAFAEL ALVAREZ

rafaelluisalvarezm@yahoo.com.ar
http://www.rafaelluisalvarez.com.ar/

FABIANA GADANO: The Innovative Jeweller

I am an industrial designer from Argentina, 1963; I live and work in Buenos Aires.

I have dedicated myself to artistic and contemporary jewelry for the past twenty-two years. I design collection pieces that are unique and original as well as teach jewelry classes in my workshop; both of these activities give me great pleasure and professional satisfaction.

Contemporary Jewelry is a creative field that allows me to fuse in my creations artistic restlessness with age old techniques, and thus interact socially with my artwork as a medium through which I express the meaning of my work.

When teaching, my objective is focused on maximizing the possibilities and bringing out the best in each student.

DEVELOPING H2O

THE BEGINNING

After obtaining my title in industrial design from UNLP in 1987, and having previously completed studies on art, I decided to specialize in contemporary and artistic jewelry by attending various workshops in Argentina and abroad throughout the span of twenty three years.

My current specialization in jewelry is a product of my previous contact with the textile and dressmaking industry. My initial incursion into the world of personal accessories eventually led me to my main activity, jewelry making.

At first I began by using existing or recycled materials and components from other industries and then moved on to processing my own metals and creating my own unique works. My search for artistic elements within jewelry led to each piece developing its own message and transformed them into functional pieces of art.

DEVELOPING "ESTEROS" LINE

DAILY ROUTINE

My day is divided equally between teaching and designing jewelry. For both activities I work alone and do not delegate responsibilities or share my workload with others.

When working on original jewelry each day is laden with both hope and anguish seeing as though the creative process is filled with uncertainty and difficulties. 

These feelings are not, however, present when I teach since my role as a teacher turns me into a facilitator and a source of information from where my students can polish their ideas and assuage their anxieties pertaining to their works.

After spending my morning teaching, I spend the afternoon working on my own projects and focus on achieving the greatest amount of work possible within my reach.

The materials that I use for each piece depend on the message that I am trying to convey and vary accordingly.

TEACHING

FINANCING

My workshop is maintained with the fixed income that I receive from teaching. 

Occasionally my income is supplemented by the erratic sales of my own creations.

This method of working gives me the liberty to develop whatever projects I find interesting and enables me to choose those that give me the greatest experience in my occupational development.

FLAGSHIP PRODUCTS

My flagship product is the H20 collection.

The idea for it was born from the restlessness and desire to use recycled materials for making jewelry. I therefore developed a collection of pieces that incorporated plastic from water bottles in an attempt to bring attention to the sanitary conditions of our planet as well as the indiscriminate and irresponsible use of disposable synthetic materials.

The H20 collection therefore alludes to the natural resource of water because it is made from plastic containers that housed water and evokes different manifestations of the element. I highlight this collection because it marks an important milestone in my work.

The H20 collection is significant because it carries an extremely important message regarding our current ecological situation while at the same time maintaining artistic poetry.

My first sketches of the collection were created during a seminar dictated by two Japanese professors, Jiro Kamata and Sayumi Yokouchi. After hearing their lectures I decided to work on the collection during the summer of 2012 and won the “Premio Adquisición del XI Salón Diario La Capital” from the “Museo Castgnino” in Rosario Argentina.

H2O COLLECTION: DETAIL OF "HIELO" NECKLACE

TRADITION AND INNOVATION

All my pieces respect the unique characteristics of each material that I utilize. 

After masterfully processing and working the materials with traditional techniques they all showcase the possibilities that each material allows. In this sense I maintain the traditional dogmas of artisanal jewelry making.

However, I do stray by proposing innovative and modern configurations that utilize unorthodox materials and combining them with traditional materials that allow me to add conceptual content and convey messages through my work.

"TELARES" BRACELET

GOALS

I would like to expand my contact with cultural institutions and liaisons that would allow me to display my work.

At a national level, I would like to spread the classes that I teach in my workshop through the work of my students. 

I currently have various pieces that are essentially ready to be displayed but lack the support from institutions in regards to transportation and insurance.

I would also like to display my pieces in foreign countries and it is towards this goal that I am mainly working for by entering my works in competitions and publications.

LOOM PENDANT

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

I would advise any artists to not let themselves be defeated by moments of doubt and anxiety. We all have those moments, but we must overcome them and trust that whatever we do with passion will eventually be worthwhile, and that the first benefit of perseverance is the realization of all of our dreams.

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

I would like my interview to be seen by Ursula Ilse-Neuman, curator of jewelry in the Museum of Arts and Design in New York.

Dear Ursula Ilse-Neuman,

It would be of great importance for my development as a professional if you could please take a look at the pieces of contemporary jewelry that I create. 

Your opinions and advice on achieving greater notoriety in terms of my work would be extremely important and a great help, especially in my capacity as a teacher. I have attached contact portfolios. Thank you very much for your time and help.

Kindest Regards,

Fabiana Gadano

CONTACT FABIANA GADANO

info@fabianagadano.com.ar

http://www.klimt02.net/jewellers/fabiana-gadano

www.fabianagadano.com.ar

NEW: My Baby&Toddlers full collection at Etsy

Hi moms or almost..!

I have finally added a great amount of baby and toddler designs to my Etsy shop, right here in Baby&Toddler section.

There are already included 21 different items that may inspire you, most of them available for immediate shipping.

They all belong to "Ullvunita" which is my brand of knits for the little ones.

Ponchos, sweaters, cardigans and also a cute skirt can be that special present for a new born baby that you were looking for!

Some are knitted, but most of them just made from loom weaved squares, as simple as that. Crochet finishing is the secret :)

This is my favorite, no doubt, over here:

..I forgot the cutest one, this hippie toddler girl bolero:

Any more ideas? Would love to know!

Wholesale for a baby shop? Just convo me!

NEW AND READY TO SHIP: Lilac and pistachio rustic tartan coat, M size

Hi everyone!

I have recently added this gorgeous coat to my Etsy shop, you can see more details over here.

Maybe these color palette is not quite commercial, but is one of my favorites no doubt. Sleeves are longer than my usual coat designs, but all the rest is quite similar.

The wool I used in this model is particullary flexible so wrapping this coat is easy and it fits well.

It is 100% chilean sheep wool, naturally hand dyed. Loom weaved and also I use crochet for the finishings as you can see below in the edges.

Want to see more coats? Right here in the Winter sweater&coats section.

NEW AND READY TO SHIP: Alpaca rustic brown and cream coat, M size

Hi everyone!

I have recently added this amazing coat to my Etsy shop, you can see it over here.

Yes, it is a little crazy, extremely rustic maybe.. but definitely unique :) if you are looking to stand out.

I had the loomweaved pieces ready since a while, and finally decided to put them together. It was a hard work, but worth it. It is very warm and so cozy, made with 100% chilean alpaca wool.

Alpaca isn`t flexible as wool, then the final result is more delicate. But.. the softness of alpaca is really one-of-a-kind, also its weight which is just fine, not too heavy, not too light.

My other designs coat are mainly made with sheep wool so they fit better to the body, they are flexible and a bit hard than alpaca, but again they fit better.

One of my popular ones over here.

Any questions? Just let me know :)

LEFT TODAY! Custom size fuchsia and gray tartan skirt

Hi there!

This gorgeous left the studio today and it`s now on it`s way to Lima, Perú!

The original design is longer, you can see it over here, but the client wanted a shorter version from the waist to over knees, like this other model from my Etsy shop, here.

These skirt designs are very comfortable and quite warm for winter time. They are all 100% wool and of course handmade. Loom weaving and crochet are the techniques used.

Want to try another color palette? Just let me know :)