We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Eleonora Federici about their original and creative Ring design work. Eleonora Federici is an award-winning fashion designer, that makes our world a better place with their original ring works.
Eleonora Federici ("EF") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Kashmir Ring. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
EF : This design was inspired by the Kashmir paisley motif, and reflects the vibrant fabrics of the Middle East, particularly India.
EF : My aim was to seamlessly translate the elegance of the Kashmir fabric into a three-dimensional version while avoiding chaos, monotony or predictability.
EF : My future plan for this design is to establish it as a renowned choice for women seeking to express their individuality and unique attitude through jewelry.
EF : The project started in Pavia in January 2020 and concluded in Pavia in December 2020. It was a long process as this model was born out of inspiration and evolved during the wax carving process by my own hands. While the concept already existed in my head, the act of carving by hand clarified exactly what I had envisioned.
EF : No, my design is currently not being produced or used by another company. However, it is part of my collection of wearable art showcased on my website eleonorafedericijewelry.com and available at the exclusive showroom Gioilelleria Marinone in Pavia, Italy. While I am focused on producing and showcasing my work myself, I am open to the possibility of selling the design to individuals or companies who can help elevate its visibility and popularity.
EF : My decision to design this particular type of work stemmed from a convergence of factors. First of all, as always, inspiration. Then I was also driven by a desire to explore the boundaries of wearable art, seeking to create pieces that transcend traditional jewelry concepts and embody artistic expression.
EF : No, my work is primarily influenced by my own creative vision and style. However, as I mentioned previously, every artist is inevitably influenced, even unconsciously, by their surroundings, experiences, and the work of others.
EF : The target customers for this design are individuals with a discerning taste, drawn to unique and exclusive pieces, akin to the distinctive nature of my jewelry. These are individuals who value possessing items that are rare and not commonly found in others' collections, who perceive high-end design as an investment for the future, and who actively support artists and artistic endeavors, echoing the role of patrons in history.
EF : Although it falls into the "domed ring" category, I have strived to be distinctive and embody the essence of a "statement" ring. Nonetheless, despite its size, it is unusually wearable and comfortable. Therefore, I carefully balanced positive and negative surfaces. Complexity and simplicity had to share the same space, in a delicate balance. It is not just a ring, it is a wearable piece of art.
EF : The name of this design is directly connected with its source of inspiration. I wanted to capture the magic and spiritual allure of India and embody the essence of a Kashmir shawl. The dome shape alludes to our planet, which should embrace Indian culture based on the acceptance of diversity in harmony and balance - all concepts I aimed to represent in my design.
EF : For this project, I initially crafted the wax model by hand, employing traditional tools reminiscent of those used by modelists in the past. This included files, saws, a small drill with various bits, a burin, and even some tools commonly used by dentists. Subsequently, I decided to digitize the model using CAD software, specifically Rhinoceros and ZBrush.
EF : The most unique aspect of my design is that it functions both as a 'cocktail ring' and a 'statement ring,' while also being a piece of wearable art.
EF : I worked independently on this design, utilizing my high level of specialized skills and expertise.
EF : The role of technology in this design primarily involved reproducing it in CAD after I carved the original model by hand. I chose to do this because I wanted to utilize computer-aided design to create renderings and videos showcasing the design with various stone and metal color options.
EF : As for data or analytical research influencing the design, I didn't conduct any formal research for this particular project. However, I believe that continuous immersion and dedication to one's craft inadvertently contribute to a background of ongoing research. My primary objective was to create a unique and timeless piece of jewelry that transcended fleeting fashion trends.
EF : One of the major challenges I encountered during the design and realization of my concept was in the production of the wax model, which I handled personally. The size of the model, coupled with its numerous empty spaces and an average thickness of 1.50 mm, posed significant difficulties in handling without risking breakage.
EF : Submitting my design to an international competition was a decision rooted in multiple motivations. Firstly, I sought broader recognition and exposure for my work, believing that participating in such a platform would provide valuable validation and visibility within the industry. Additionally, as I consider my pieces "wearable art", I aimed to showcase my creations to collectors who appreciate unique jewelry. In 2021-2022, I won the same award with the single earring “The Hummingbird,” marking the beginning of my journey to establish myself as an artist and my designs as coveted pieces in the world of wearable art.
EF : Creating this work was a learning experience that greatly contributed to my growth as a designer and modelist. I encountered various challenges, such as delicately handling the wax model and finding the right balance between intricacy and durability. These challenges helped me improve my problem-solving skills and gain a deeper understanding of material limitations. Moreover, I learned the importance of perseverance and adaptability throughout the production process.
