Dimitar Stankov

Silversmith

©Doichin Cholakov

©Dimitar Stankov

Capturing sound in jewellery

Dimitar forges his Bulgarian roots into unique objects
He holds degrees in both Metal Design, Jewellery Design and Silversmithing
He won a drawing competition aged 10 which set his heart on art

Relatively early on in his life Dimitar Stankov chose art to be his vocation. Prompted by his mother – a fashion designer – he loved watching her work and drawing sketches for her new models. An exemplary art student in highly respected national and international educational institutions, he received a BA in Metal Design from the National Art Academy, Sofia, followed by a BA and a MA diploma in Jewellery Design and Silversmithing from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Antwerp. Dimitar’s pieces evoke associations with rare and stylish eccentric small sculptures. These are the outcome of a rigorous dedication, meticulous work and extensive research process. An important element of his craft is the Bulgarian cultural heritage which he draws inspiration from, he makes beautiful and imaginative associations between folklore and contemporaneity.

Interview

©Doichin Cholakov

©Doichin Cholakov

In what way is your work linked to Bulgaria?: I wanted to materialise sound and bring memories of my motherland and family with me. My focus was on visualising the sound of the Bulgarian bagpipe – Kaba gaida. I created 3-D objects and jewellery which keeps and represents personal sound memories and at the same time can be attached to the body or just be held in the hand.
Do you have any specific techniques?: In building 3-D constructions from very thin silver and gold wire, I have mostly been experimenting with electroforming and how to combine it with innovative techniques. I also make pieces with precious and semi-precious stones on customers' demand.
Which are the tools you use?: Even the most ingenious master is nothing without his tools. I love all my tools and I take good care of them. My favorite tool is a little wooden hammer which I bought second hand. Its previous owner was a chocolatier who used to break chocolate into small pieces with it. Now I use it to make my art works.
Do you keep any of your jewellery pieces?: I would love to keep all of my pieces just for me, but unfortunately that is not possible. Nevertheless I have one brooch from my MA project "Bagpipes & Memories" that is very close to my heart and I kept it so I can wear it whenever I want.

Dimitar Stankov is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2004 and he started teaching in 2019