I want to hang architecture on the necks and push to thoughts about what we could do with it. Asya Gulak interviewed by Klimt02

Do you think that jewellery is being standardized? What is there of local and universal in your artistic work?
I am an architect and the deeper I dive into the world of modern jewelry, the more my surprise and interest in this field of art grow. I do not have thoughts about standardization when I see so many talents in this area. I think, those who are still aiming at standardization need to change their way of thinking. Much more interesting things behind which is an idea, a question, a task that can be solved with the help of an art object. The dumb design is not creative. Beauty without content is a boredom.
I think design should be speculative!

My architectural accessories are my tools to catch attention not only to the shape and style but also to such notions as multifunction / bricolage art, reconstruction, reusing, reinvigoration, collection, recycling.

The idea of [pa dǝ dø] project was born on the background of problems with the monuments of architecture in a modernism and brutalism style, which we have in Ukraine a lot. All that architecture is in an unsatisfactory state. My idea is to create jewelry with a use of building materials like isolation material, facade stucco, facade paint and in modernism shapes which inspire me every time in my architectural practice. I want to hang architecture on the necks, I want to catch attention on what we already have, and push to thoughts about what we could do with it?


What do you expect when exposing your work to the public (for example with an exhibition)?
I expect to shape and to find my audience in that way, to draw attention to the problems connected with a huge amount of new, unnecessary constructions. I want to get feedback that motivates me to take further action and gives me the part of confidence, which I need so much, to move on!


Are other areas besides the jewellery, present in your work?
I remembered a quote by one famous Italian architect post-modernist, he wrote: Finding the connections between objects, it’s a more significant thing, than these objects as they are, it generates new meanings, Aldo Rossi Scientific autobiography.
Mostly, I try to present in my works the new meanings, I try to find other functions, and to set new tasks. And, of course, through them, I can express the feelings that arise when mine or someone's thoughts, art, life, in general, inspire me.


The last work, book, film, city that has moved me was...
Probably, what would really impressed me much, recently, it was the book by Victor Frankl Logotherapy. The author, an Austrian psychotherapist who has passed through several concentration camps, talks about his method of treating various mental disorders with the help of meanings (logos) that our life gives it so generous to us. It is enough just to recognize them at the right time.


A place, space, country whose creativity surprises me...
I think, Amsterdam is still at the first place for me. There, behind the window, without curtains, of course, the first time in my life, I saw designers, who created and printed shoes, clothes, accessories on 3D printers ... a huge number of open workshops where the craftsmen sit and make art objects, straight on your eyes. Yes, I was indefinitely surprised by this place, with its unlimited creative energy, which does not cease to circulate day or night.


Is there any designer, jeweller, artist, you appreciate a lot?
The first of whom I thought - Oscar Nimeyer, Frank Ghery, Abraham Miletsky, Kisho Kurokawa, Sonia Delaunay, Nicolai Suetin, Walter Gropius and so on...  I have a big inspire list among the architects, painters, fashion designers, but all of them have a lot in common. They all are brave, frank and innovative in their work expression.


What piece or work has given you the most satisfaction?
I don’t think that such piece or work exist. In each new project I’m trying to improve previous skills, find new opportunities to meet my creative needs. I think what can really satisfy me is it today's results of my activity…


Do you read jewellery magazines? What is your source to get information?
The sources and methods that I choose to obtain information directly depend on the information I need to find. If what I need, theoretically, can be in a jewellery magazine, I will read this jewellery magazine, for sure!


Do you discuss your work with other jewellery artists or any other person?
By the way, this is probably my favorite part of my work! I often work in a team. The collective mind is always welcomed in architectural practice, behind any good idea there is should be thoughts at least two persons!
When I create my jewellery, I share and discuss all the details over and over.


What is your first thought when you hear the word Future? What do you expect for?
The first thought of mine is - I want more time! Not free time, but more for all my activities. I accept the concept about infinite life. I am wondering: What if?
So, what if we will live infinite?