Interview with Elin Flognman

Do you think that jewellery is being standardized? What is there of local and universal in your artistic work?
I think there is a lot of recurrence to be seen. However, this might be a normal effect of socializing and influence. We are all affected by the surroundings and our living condidtions and for most of us they are quite the same. Many art jewellers eat similar food, experience similar culture and read similar news. It’s not surpising we do similar work. I guess that’s what makes it difficult to see why my work should be labeled “Swedish” when I might feel more connected to the work of a collegue in India, Spain or Argentina. The topic of everyday however is to be treated with respect to the fact that there are more than one everyday to be lived. I live and experience the priviliged one of a peaceful, western society.

What do you expect when exposing your work to the public (for example with an exhibition)?
During exhibitions I have been told lots of stories from people relating to my work and the topic i have chosen. There are so many ideas to be harvested in having an exhibition. This gives me stuff to work with for a long time after.

Are other areas besides the jewellery, present in your work?
I think jewellery is all about other areas. Jewellery is for example politics just by existing. To make a piece of jewellery (in any material) from an idea or feeling and claim it’s monetary value is a political statement. I once made medals to be handed out for free at a concert. In that case the elevated status of the medal was undermined by the fact that everyone recieved one for free, without any achievement.

The last work, book, film, city that has moved me was...
I saw a dance performance called Movement Gets No Wrinkles by a group of elderly women, dancing the story of their lives. They told the story of the house wife, of the mistress, of the mother in their dance. The performance was imaginative, honest and intimate.

A place, space, country whose creativity surprises me...
Walking always inspire me, so I have made it my daily routine to walk. Even the word routine itself means repetition (of movement) just like the body performs when walking. It’s easy to relate to the repetition of movement we so often experience in our work as art jewellers. Routine has been given a negative connotation just like everyday life. Yet somehow no walk is the same and every walk holds it’s own element of surprise.

Is there any designer, jeweller, artist, you appreciate a lot?
Yes there are many. I think I’m the most impressed (and inspired) by work that showes courage, honesty and fearlessness. I have a secret dream of someday going to Italy to see Niki de Saint Phalle's Tarot Garden.
 
What piece or work has given you the most satisfaction?
I find great satisfaction in the process of making my pieces. My studio is a good place to be in. It’s difficult to choose one piece as the most satisfying but there is a time when a piece gives you that gut feeling. That you are moved by it. That’s a good day at work.
 
Do you read Jewellery Magazines? What is your source to get information?
I find information in communities on social media. Its nice just to turn it off when I have had enough. I don’t think it’s possible (or even necessary) for me to grasp what's happening right now in all fields of  art jewellery. What would I do with this information? It’s always interesting to read about and take part of ideas, thoughts and stories from colleagues. Even in answering this interview I had great pleasure reading earlier interviews with artists. There are so many interesting minds out there!
 
Do you discuss your work with other jewellery artists or any other person?
I do lack a physical meetingplace for art jewellers. Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy working alone in my studio but it would be nice to have an arena for deepened discussion. I have found this with artists of other artistic fields and non-artists whose opinion I value, but there is something extra special about art jewellers…
 
What is your first thought when you hear the word Future?, What do you expect for?
There’s a quote from Tove Jansons books where the Moomin father wants to live in peace, grow my potatoes and dream. That is a comforting thought for me. And there is a need for comfort since the state of the world is not looking so good right now. However, I do believe that for art jewellery, the future is wide open!