Lately, I discovered the Russian world in polymer clay and its artists. It’s a beautifull world with lots of special and interesting creations. Because I wanted to share it with you, I invited another talented Russian artist to talk with us and share some of her experience and creations. Bellow you can find an interesting interview with Katherine and her Wellcraft work.Hope you will enjoy it and in this way we will connect with other artists from other countries and admire well done pieces.
Hello! Tell me something about the person behind Wellcraft.
Hello! My name is Katherine, I’m Russian and I live in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. I have artistic education and I am working as a graphic designer.
How did you discovere handmade and why did you choose to make handmade jewellry?
As far as I can remember handmade was part of my life. I don’t make only jewellery. I like silk painting, I make interior accessories, paint on lampshades … Once I painted my dress.
I love to combine different materials and techniques. But, like most girls I like beautiful jewellery. Hand-made jewelry is a funny way to be unique and can complete any look.
Not so far ago I started with my polymer clay hobby, just about 2 years ago. A pack of polymer clay was a birthday present from one of my friends. And this was the moment! The first pieces were made for myself and later other people began to order from me.
What is the main source of inspiration in your works?
Everything can inspire me. But most of all I take inspiration from nature. I love colorful birds, funny cats, exotic fishes, flowers, trees, leaves, sunrises & sunsets, ocean creatures, sea waves… this list is endless!
I’ve noticed that your works are various and diverse, but tell me: what defines WELLCRAFT the best? (what technique, or color or products, what is your signature)
That’s right, my works are various and made in different techniques. It’s because I just have fun with polymer clay and do whatever I want, what is interesting for me at the moment. Besides there is a lot of what I need to learn and find out, so I try everything. But now I can tell that the filigree technique is one of my favourite. I like non-central compositions, bright vibrant colors, attention to details.
My brand WELLCRAFT has one simple but important idea: hand-CRAFTed things which are WELL done. Every piece I make has my own design. I make sketches first, then try to embody my ideas. I avoid using the colors from package as they are. I always mix colors to reach interesting shades, use complex color combinations. Quality, unique designs and attention to details – this defines WELLCRAFT the best.
What are you working on at the moment? What future projects do you have? (or already accomplished)
One of my new ideas is to bring folk embroidery motifs to polymer clay. There are two latest attempts of this. I hope to go on and develop this idea trying different techniques.
I decided to refresh my craft room by adding crafted details. I started with drawer knobs. There are more than 30 polymer clay hand-sculpted knobs that were designed and sculpted by me. More interior details are coming soon…
At the same time I design my new brand. And this is a „TOP SECRET” for now 🙂 All I can tell, that this new brand is connected with my favourite filigree technique. The symbol is a hand-sculpted cute character with filigree details.
Which is your favourite jewellery from all you have done so far and why?
One of my favourite for now is „necklace with curious Toucan„. It is complex and has a lot of tiny detaiIs. I made it last year and this year my Tooky (as I used to call it) found his owner.
This spring I supplemented necklace with two more pieces: ring with orchid and jungle bracelet. It came out a nice set, very funny and exotic.
There are more favourites – my „fishy” bracelets. This product line is called „Secrets of a coral reef„. Every fish has a name and is a funny character with its story. They are Nemo, Goldy and Violette. Nemo is a bit shy and is hiding in a „coral reef”. Goldy is a mysterious creature ready to make your wishes come true. And Violette is playful and coquette.
All fishes are made without painting on them. Color blends and tiny dots, fine stripes – every detail is made from polymer clay. Red and green „coral” elements are hand-sculpted from polymer clay.
These bracelets are supplemented with earrings and perfectly fit summer outfits.
And these are examples of my favourite filigree technique, made by me. I like complex color combination and tiny details.
What do you know about handmade in Romania? Do you know something about our handmade artists?
Unfortunately I know nothing about it. It might be connected with the language barrier. But I’m sure there are a lot of talented handmade artists all over the world. Very often some talented person makes something beautiful at his/her home and nobody sees it. That’s why I think is important to communicate with people and become a member of arts&crafts communities. To let others know about you and what you are good at. And I appreciate your work – I mean people who make arts&crafts magazines (both on-line and off-line). It’s very helpful in different ways: such magazines inspire and educate people, show bright ideas, introduce foreign artists, give the opportunity to artists to show their talents and tell about their work.
What do you like best at polymer clay?
It is so easy to work with and bake in a regular oven! I love sculpting and creating beautiful things at home and it isn’t messy. This material is made for art and fun – large variety of colors, easy to work with, not so expensive. It offers great potential for creative works.
What are your dreams regarding handmade and what did you achieved so far?
More and more people now like my works, they buy accessories made by me, some want to learn from me. And this is quite funny because my first attempts in hand-sculpting were awful. But two years of practice gave quite nice results. And I hope to develop my skills more and more. My dream is to find my own recognisable style and open my own studio-shop.
Do you have a message for our readers?
To all who are at the very beginning of their artistic journey:
Practice your arts and crafts! Be patient! Experiment! Enjoy of the process! Express yourself! Have fun!
P.S. Thank you for this opportunity to tell people about my work.
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