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Gligor Kuzmanovski is a contemporary jeweler from Macedonia who moved to Romania a few years back and has been continuing his artistic practice here. His jewelry is other-worldly, yet deeply rooted in the physicality of its materials and the authenticity of its concepts. His art speaks to the viewer in personal ways and is most definitely art that strikes emotions in both those who wear it or those who just admire it on the wearer. Gligor has participated to a number of fairs here in Romania, like Circuit:Fair Romanian Design Week, Jazz in the Park, PAD Butic/ Hartie, which is a treat, as it means there are many chances to encounter his pieces.I fell in love with Gligor’s works in a local bookstore here in Cluj and I invite you to do the same, by enjoying a read of our interview together!

1.How would you describe yourself and your jewelry to somebody that hasn’t yet discovered you?

I started doing jewelry many years ago. The first medium I used was the wood, but in my latest years I turned towards the paper. The jewelry that I create is light, simple, always following the functionality. In that order I can describe myself too; I am a light person, easygoing, always learning.

2.What inspired you to become a jeweler? If you wouldn’t have been a jeweler, what other career would you have pursued?

My inspiration goes way back into my childhood. I was always a maker, making my own toys, repairing them, reinventing, exploring. I was lucky enough to spend most of the holidays at the countryside, where my grandad shared his experiences with me. This and the love for the beauty, combined with the need to express myself made me what I am today. If not jewelry, certainly I would have done something with my hands.

3.Do you have a signature piece or collection that defines your brand?

I don’t know. People here in Romania recognize me by the paper work, people in Macedonia by my wooden creations. I can not put aside a collection or a piece, when I see them in one chronological glance they are all so different, yet the sensuality is something that connects them.

4.Can you walk us through your creative process, from concept to finished piece?

For this question I really need to give you a tour in my head, in my thoughts and memories  . Yes, everything starts with an idea, sometimes drawn on a paper, or sometimes fast, in a „let’s see how it’s going to look” manner. Then comes the technical part. While working on a piece, thinking of how to transform my idea into a tangible reality, I am also thinking of how to ensure it stays securely on one’s body, whether it is a brooch, a ring, a necklace, a bracelet or earrings. Then, many tries follow, many moments I think of as „me-mirror-object”. When everything fits, I am happy and the piece too.

5.You’ve participated to a few jewelry fairs in Romania already. From your experience, what is the Romanian customer looking for when it comes to jewelry?

From these years that I’ve spent here, and the fairs that I have attended, I can say that the Romanian public likes to be dressed up (good taste mostly), like to have a unique piece of jewelry and they won’t restrain themselves from owning one, regardless of the price. Beauty comes first. This makes me happy, because I feel how my audience is growing, and how it’s not all about expensive materials. They appreciate craftwork.

6.What role does experimentation play in your process? Have you ever used any unconventional materials in your work or do you plan to use?

If you see my working space (organized chaos), you’d be surprised of what you’ll find around. Questioning why he has some dry mango seed next to a melted plastic bottle, or a can of sand next to a pot of dissolved paper. I am always experimenting.

7.What should the customer know when they’re purchasing one of your pieces? Can you share some insight into how you price your pieces?

When you have a piece of me, you have a piece of you. In a way our stories crossed their paths. Now you have a dear memory, visually delivered by a similar soul.  I’d give them all to the ones being touched by them, not asking for a penny, their smiles would be enough,  heartwarming. Pricing them is the most difficult thing.

8.How do you balance creating with the practical aspects of running a jewelry business?

Yes.

9.Have you collaborated with other artists or designers or is this something you plan to do in the future? How was the experience or how do you imagine the experience would be?

I did some collaborations in the past, several times I’ve collaborated with macedonian fashion designers, but also with fellow jewelers. It was quite an experience and of course I am open for new ones.

10.What makes your art grow? What makes you grow?

The drive getting up in the morning, taking the first sips of your coffee, thinking of which one should you start first. Going to bed looking at what you’ve created for the day gives you the biggest joy. Laying down, feeling happy that tomorrow is waiting you with the same excitement.

11.What’s one piece of advice you’ve heard yourself giving to others, but you yourself didn’t quite manage to follow?

Don’t give interviews.

12.You create wearable art. Do you wear (or own) other creator’s art? How about wearing your own pieces?

I do wear my own art and also others’ pieces. Over the years I have collected some from my dear colleagues. And sometimes, me too, I do dress up, followed with a brooch or necklace.

13.There are many myths that arise in mind or during conversations, when talking to and about artists and creatives. What is a myth which from your point of view deserves to be debunked and why?

I can not debunk them, I can add one more. Today everybody is an artist.

*All photographs, unless otherwise specified, are part of the interviewee’s personal archives.