Distribuie articolul:

Recognizing achievements is important, and from my point of view  Sophie Bélanger made a significant impact at the London Cluster. I presented her with ‘The Iconic Ones Award’ from Atelierul Magazine. I have a great appreciation for her unique sense of fashion and creativity in combining different textures and colors, in the process of creating jewelry pieces.

1. Who is Sophie Bélanger? Can you tell me a few words about yourself?

First and foremost, I’m a 45-year-old mother of two children, aged 10 and 16, and a caregiver to my 16-year-old son, who suffers from a degenerative neuromuscular disease. I’m also a multidisciplinary artist with many years of experience in jewelry design, and for the past four years, in the visual arts, particularly in watercolor painting.

2. You are a multidisciplinary artist and a jewelry maker. How do you find a balance between both?

For me, balancing these different disciplines is quite natural because they complement each other. Whenever possible, I try to express my own universe through both my jewelry and my paintings. Sometimes, they even merge, as seen in my most recent piece, When My Head Meets the Clouds. My inspiration first came during a music show, where I saw colors appear. Yes, I see music in color—I’m a synesthete. I went home after the show and sketched a future watercolor, which then led me to create a series of jewelry pieces in the same spirit, along with photo scenes that convey my feelings about this magical moment. I always strive to create fantastic and sometimes surreal worlds using various mediums.

3. How did you start your creative business as a jewelry maker?

I fell in love with expressive jewelry in 2016. I didn’t think it was possible to create wearable art pieces—until I did! I joined the Filière 11 collective, which explores contemporary jewelry in Quebec City, and I also took a workshop with Noel Guyomarc’h, which really pushed me to expand my creativity.

4. What values guide your creations? What was the moment that defined your style?

When I first began making jewelry, I was going through a very difficult period in my life as my son fell ill. It was a life-saving experience for me to express his struggles through my jewelry. Creating my first pieces allowed me to free myself from emotional burdens. I’m a very positive person, and I want people to see that no matter the challenges, it’s always possible to rise up and find the bright side. I want those who wear my pieces to feel as though they are carrying a piece of my heart—my joy, my sorrow, but also my deep love for life and the resilience within me.

5. Congratulations on winning our award at Cluster London! I love your joyful creations. How did you feel when you heard about the award?

I woke up one morning and was doing my usual Instagram scroll when I saw your post mentioning me. To be honest, I was extremely surprised. I didn’t think I’d be noticed, given how many talented people were involved. I feel truly pampered and touched by this honorable mention.

Jewelry created by Sophie Bélanger

6. Can you tell me a little about your creative process? Where do you find your inspiration, and how do you create a piece? Do you have any favorite podcasts, places, or songs?

As I mentioned earlier, a lot of my inspiration comes from my daily life as a mother and caregiver, and everything that comes with that. I draw a lot from street art, political art, and artists who have something to say. I enjoy works that make you think, with their stories and worlds. I like to get to know an artist better by studying their work. I also listen to all kinds of music—every genre!

7. Could you tell me more about how you combine merino wool, plastic, satin, nylon, Kasumi beads, glass beads, and plastic in your creations?

For me, wool fiber is a very sensory material. I love working with it. Adding pearls or beads gives wool a touch of sparkle, since wool itself lacks shine. Of course, I can’t forget my love of metal. All of my pieces are meticulously handmade with precious metals wherever possible. I’m a perfectionist, and I ensure all my pieces are made to be admired from every angle. It’s very important to me that the pieces are well-crafted and well cared for.

Jewelry created by Sophie Bélanger

8. How do you view jewelry in an increasingly digitalized society?

I don’t think we have much choice but to embrace technological tools, and I enjoy using them. In my most recent photoshoot, I used AI for the backgrounds. I think this opens up new possibilities, offering access to a world we didn’t have before. I’m also fascinated by the potential to make jewelry using technological tools like 3D printers.

9. How do you deal with plagiarism? Has this ever happened to you?

I haven’t had to deal with this yet, but I’m not sure how I would react if it happened.

Jewelry created by Sophie Bélanger

Jewelry created by Sophie Bélanger

Jewelry created by Sophie Bélanger

Jewelry created by Sophie Bélanger

10. Are there any designers you follow or admire?

I admire so many artists! in Quebec, I love the work of Catherine Sheedy, Aurélie Guillaume, Marjolein Dallinga, Kathy Ouellette, Annie Loiseau, and many others. Internationally, I really appreciate the work of Meghan Schmiedel and Märta Mattsson.

11. What do you think is the greatest challenge for jewelry designers in 2025?

The biggest challenge is making a name for us and standing out amidst all the emerging talent. Another challenge is selling our work, which is very difficult in such a niche market.

Jewelry created by Sophie Bélanger

12. Since you live in Quebec, Canada, how do you view the European jewelry scene?

That’s an interesting question. Here in Quebec, contemporary jewelry is not well-known, or almost non-existent. We have La Galerie Lewis in Quebec City and Galerie Noel Guyomarc’h, who promote and distribute it, but it’s still in its infancy compared to Europe. I went to Munich for Contemporary Jewelry Week last year, and I was really impressed by the number of people who attended the various events. It’s very exciting to see that kind of enthusiasm.

All the photos are made by Icone – Eve Leclerc,  and are send by Sophie Bélanger with publishing rights.

Thank you Eleonora Varroto for allowing us to select 3 designers during the Cluster London show that you curated. And thank you Cristina Stan for representing Atelierul Magazine at the Award Gala.