Amelia Sosa

 

Why are you an artist?

 

Being an artist is one of those things in life that you do not choose, it’s a gift that you receive. The choice is to whether or not you want to explore that special sensibility, creativity and particular point of view that all artists are very fortunate to have.

I am a creative person and I chose design as my avenue to express it.

 

Could you tell us some more about your art?

 

While architecture and graphic design are my background, jewelry is my new adventure. After taking a couple of jewelry classes last year, I put my computer aside and decided that I was going to invest time, energy (and some money too, you know how it is) in this project that always was in the back of my head. It was time for me to begin using my pliers and give the mouse, a bit of a rest. In that precise moment ZINGARO was born.

 

I see jewelry as some sort of body-architecture where not only functionality, but also a great sense of style works together. It’s amazing how at the end, independently of what your background is, color, shapes, materials, proportions, rhythm and patterns work in the same way while achieving balance.

 

I like to play with ideas and usually make a sketch of what I have in mind; I’m a visual person, so any idea has to be on paper first.

 

When I work with silver, I tend to work with geometric shapes, angular lines and abstract forms, and even when I design something more organic, the piece usually has something geometric; when I work creating necklaces, earrings and bracelets based on semi-precious stones, copper, silver, wood, glass and shells, I don’t put any boundaries on what materials I can –or cannot– use together. It’s about having fun while exploring.

 

Still a lot to learn ahead, but it is worth it!

 

Could you talk about your latest work and what you are trying to achieve?

 

Right now my mind –and my sketchbook– are on a SPRING season mode. Flowers, grass, trees, ocean; nature in general is my concept in terms of colors and textures. My goal is to generate a cohesive group of pieces that have the same language.

 

What artists have influenced you, and how?

 

People inspire me in general no matter if they are artists or not, but if I have to give a name, I have to say that Alexander Calder is one of those artist that always intrigued me, fascinated me. The way he explores three-dimensional shapes in space, how abstract elements work together in total harmony is pure art. Bending and twisting wire has a new meaning when it comes to his sculptures.

As in a mobile, I like when in a piece of jewelry its pieces move around, playing with each other, interacting.

 

What inspires you to make art and how do you keep motivated when things get tough in the studio?

 

Inspiration comes from different places, even from the most unexpected ones. My art is influenced by the place where I grew up, my friends and loved ones, the music I listened to and still listen to everyday, the weather, places I have seen, countries I have visited, things that make me sad, happy…any single detail inspires me in different ways. I might end up with a different result, but I cannot isolate myself completely and forget about what is surrounding me. Even a piece of cake and a good cup of coffee (single late, low-fat milk, please) can make a difference while creating something.

 

Are things getting tough? That is fine too. Take that as your advantage and while having a routine, sit down a use that force to produce something. You might be surprised on how strong that final result might be. Sometimes when we do not have the energy or the will, we work even harder.

 

Making art is my way to say what I have to say.

 

How have you handled the business side of being an artist?

 

To be honest with you I’m still in that process; right now I’m more focused on my designs and how to create them, than how much money I’ll get from them.

Because of the hours I invest and the effort I put into my work, it is very difficult for me to detach myself from it emotionally.

I think that the more you are into it, the stronger your work will be and the results will improve over time; then, the money you have invested will be all worth while and eventually it will come back to you. First things first, right?

 

What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?

 

Whatever your medium is, create a routine and set deadlines that keep you on track. Have fun and always enjoy what you do. People who are in this field work in it because their passionate, nothing else.

Besides, I might be the one who needs to take advice from people who have been in this for a very long time. Any suggestions?

 

What do you do for fun (besides art)?

 

I like to go to paper stores, to bead stores (of course), flea markets, draw on my sketchbook, go out and watch a movie, go to the beach, chit-chat over a cup of coffee, read fashion magazines…

 

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