Modular Design Jewelry a Workshop with Luis Acosta

In this workshop, we will use paper as a medium to explore the principles of modular design, which can then be applied to various materials like metal, ceramic, textile, rubber, and more. The main objective is to create beautiful jewelry designs using simple forms and building a cohesive “system”.
 
The workshop begins with the concept of repetition through a module. Participants will have the opportunity to create a prototype of their own jewelry piece, if possible. We approach the design process as a playful and improvisational activity, looking for a sustainable result, making the most of the chosen materials and minimizing waste.
 
Here's a breakdown of the workshop:

• Stage 1: Design inspired by an existing form:

We will select an object or form as a reference point. It could be the entire object or just a part of it.
Through drawing, we will explore different ways to repeat and reinterpret the chosen form, ensuring no material goes to waste.
For example, as you can see exploring my own personal work, a shirt collar shape can inspire the design of bracelets, the letter "L" can be transformed into necklaces and brooches, and a stylized "Z" can become brooches, necklaces, or ties.
The possibilities are endless, and we can draw inspiration from various sources such as cubes or even ocean waves.
Notably, some of my designs inspired by ocean waves are part of the permanent collections at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York and the CODA Museum in Apeldoorn, Netherlands.
 

• Stage 2: Repetition of the chosen shape:

Once we have identified the form we want to work with (which we'll refer to as the "module"), we will repeat it multiple times on our exercise sheets.
By exploring patterns and sequences, we will cut and assemble the modules horizontally or vertically, considering different joint ideas.
These modules can be used either flat or folded, giving you versatility in your design process.
 
The primary purpose of this exercise is to equip you with the tools to develop your own unique ideas and designs by starting from a basic unit or form as a reference point.
 

 
Materials to bring:
Pencil or pen.
Transparent adhesive tape.
Ruler and scissors.
 
Optional materials:
Notebook or folder for note-taking.
Eraser.
Stapler.
 
Materials provided:
We will supply all the necessary materials for the exercises, including double-sided colored paper for cutting and folding.
 
Workshop Duration:
One-day workshop: From 10:00 to 18:30, including a one-hour break.
 
Workshop Capacity:
To ensure an optimal learning environment, the workshop requires a minimum of 8 participants and can accommodate a maximum of 20.
 
Investment: The workshop fee is €160 +VAT where applicable. To secure your spot, please make a 50% payment by July 15th. For bank details please send us an email.
 

About the Facilitator: Luis Acosta, an Argentine-Dutch textile and jewelry designer, graduated from the textile department of the Gerrit Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam in 1988. Luis has showcased his works in group and individual exhibitions across Europe, Argentina, the USA, Japan, and South Korea.
His creations can be found in prestigious institutions such as the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, the Costum Museum in Buenos Aires, the CODA Museum in Apeldoorn, and private collections worldwide. Luis has published articles on textile design and curated exhibitions in Spain and the Netherlands. He also teaches courses on design for woven fabrics and jewelry in multiple countries.


>> Check here all artworks by Luis Acosta featured at Klimt02