Maria Militsi interviewed by Klimt02

Do you think that jewellery is being standardized? What is there of local and universal in your artistic work?
It is and it isn`t… Jewellery has to be normalized somehow so people can relate to it. I often use the traditional language of jewellery to comment on preconceptions about value and function.


What do you expect when exposing your work to the public (for example with an exhibition)?
Smiles and sales.


Are other areas besides the jewellery, present in your work?
Life itself… I work with used and at times random objects, anything that comes in my way. Present in my work are notions of the mass produced, the rare and aged or the unusual and worthy of collecting.


The last work, book, film, city that has moved me was...
Recently read “The School Mistress with the Golden Eyes” written in 1933 by the Greek revolutionary war writer Stratis Myrivilis. I found the horrifying consequences of war so delicately intertwined with the vivid evocation of Lesbos`s natural beauty and seascape. A profoundly inspiring book.


A place, space, country whose creativity surprises me…
The Jewellery Design Department at Central Saint Martins in London where I’m a visiting lecturer at the moment. It`s fascinating to follow how the final year students are progressing and developing their collections. It amazes me to see them producing work that is fresh and has a very individual approach. They are daring and rarely hesitate to fully express themselves. Last year`s graduate show was exceptionally good! For example Farah Mohidin`s work in response to experiencing alopecia moved me. Also Lucie Davis surprised and delighted me with her innovate “Touch In and Out” travel card acrylic nails with RFID chip embedded.


Is there any designer, jeweller, artist, you appreciate a lot?
I appreciate all designers, jewellers and artists that have consistently been creative regardless financial or personal circumstances.


What piece or work has given you the most satisfaction?
“The House of Elias T.” is a collection based on everyday objects found in an abandoned house on the Greek Island of Samos in 2007. Now these pieces have been rehoused to form a private collection.


Maria Militsi, Earrings: Tool with Earrings, 2011, Found tool, gold, From series: The House of Elias T.


Do you read Jewellery Magazines? What is your source to get information?
Not particularly but I look online - Klimt02, AJF, Current Obsession, Instagram…


Do you discuss your work with other jewellery artists or any other person?
I discuss my work with everyone wants to listen… I enjoy talking to my father for example even though he doesn`t necessarily completely understand what I`m on about, he supplies me with stuff that he finds on the street or that no one wants. The collection “The House of Elias T.” is based on discarded objects he found, so I greatly appreciate his willingness to contribute to my work!



Maria Militsi, Pendant: Glasses with Pendant, 2011, Found Object, silver, From series: The House of Elias T.


What is your first thought when you hear the word Future? What do you expect for?
Looking forward to it!