traces necklace
Pallavi Verma
1. Please tell us a bit about yourself.
I pursued B.A. Hons. Jewellery Design and Metal Smithing in Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Antwerp, Belgium. Presently I am pursuing M.A. Jewellery Design in Antwerp. I moved to Antwerp about five years ago. It is hard to not be involved with art when you are in Europe and I took advantage of that. I really discovered myself here and I am still learning and discovering.
2. How would you describe your journey as a contemporary jeweller?
My college education is more directed to contemporary art and this is how I learned and got interested in contemporary art and jewellery as a whole. I was also attracted to this college because of the freedom given to the students. By freedom I mean choice of style, interest, direction, material, etc. I feel I am too young and fresh to have a signature style. I am exploring all the possibilities at the moment. I like to work with concepts, the rest (material/technique/production) flows accordingly. All of my work until now is self-made.
3. What inspires you?
I was born and brought up in India thus I am very fond of our culture and often use it as an inspiration for my work. I have had many valuable experiences in both the cultures (Indian and European), I try to use my personal experiences in my work.
memory brooch 1
With these ‘Memory Brooches’ (featured here), I aim to leave a mark/imprint/memory with the wearer and the surrounding.
These wearable brooches are colour powder containers. When worn they leave a stain on your clothes with the movement of the body during the day. The more you move, the more colour pops up on your clothes. I displayed this work in a few exhibitions as an installation with the brooches submerged in the colour powder.
4. What direction do you see your work taking over the next 5/10 years?
With my work I will like to reach out to people more in an artistic way. I think jewellery has a lot of potential and it helps/transforms the way you look at things.
5. What are your thoughts about the contemporary jewellery field evolving in India?
Well, I recently came to know about Project Bawra. I am very glad this effort has been taken to promote contemporary jewellery in India because no doubt we (Indian) have a lot of potential. We just need more awareness.
6. List of publications, projects and exhibitions that you’ve been involved in?
– “Ways of Seeing, an open air atelier” workshop by Ciecle De Mul & Linda Ruttelynck @ Andalucia,Spain (2015,March)
– “AND REMEMBER, AN ELEPHANT NEVER FORGETS” exhibition 2015, Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp. (Contemporary Jewelry)
– Schmuch 2015, Munich, Germany. (Contemporary Jewelry)
– New Tradition Jewellery competition 2014 Nominee, Amsterdam, Holland.
– Seiraad Fair 2014, Amsterdam, Holland. (Contemporary Jewelry)
– Biennale Interieur 2014, Kortrijk, Belgium. (Contemporary Jewelry)
– Happy Birthday Dear Academy (350 years) 2014, Antwerp, Belgium (Contemporary Jewelry & Objects)
– Schmuch 2014, Munich, Germany. (Contemporary Jewelry)
– ‘Stroom van Talent’ published on 10/12/13 on CanvasTV, (Happy Birthday Dear Academy documentary)
– Seiraad Fair 2013, Amsterdam, Holland. (Contemporary Jewelry)
– Participated in De Lions Club competition 2011, Antwerp, Belgium (Fine Art)
memory brooch 2
7. Where can one buy your work?
I have sold some group projects in my Academy and in Sieraad Fair, Amsterdam. My website is in process now so soon one will be able to see/buy my work online.
8. Website?
In process
9. E-mail?
pallavi.verma0021@gmail.com
10.Currently:
On the bench: Chalk, plaster, pigments, etc
On the wall: Inspirational pictures and some sketches.
In the drive: Personal works, portfolio, CV, inspirational pictures, rhino files, etc.
On the shelf: Sketch books/Art books.
11. Anything else that you would like to share about yourself?
I enjoy my work and I aim to imprint as many people possible with my jewellery.
memory brooch 3
Fantastic. Best wishes. 🙂