Dominykas Vakrinas

Jewellery maker

©Dominykas Vakrinas

©Andrius Burba

From violins to jewellery

Dominykas is a storyteller
He strives for the perfect execution of each piece
He is fascinated by gold and diamonds

From an early age Dominykas Vakrinas spent his time observing his grandfather making carpentry. Later, he started fixing string instruments himself. The love of hand craftsmanship and precise execution is what led him from wood to jewellery. Now he creates original works in his workshop, each of them characterized by precision, and a harmony between the classic and the modern. Each of his pieces are the result of communication between the artist and the client, whether it be for a piece of jewellery or a small sculpture. He pays a great deal of attention to the personal relationship with the wearer of the piece; the work must delight the client, tell a story and be perfectly polished. His creations are both contemporary and unique but do lean towards classicism.

Where

Interview

©Andrius Burba

How would you describe what you do?: It is hard to say whether it is goldsmithing, jewellery making or sculpting. Usually the nature of the piece depends on the client’s needs. But for me, it’s very important that every artwork tells a story. I try my hardest to find out everything I can about the client, his expectations, and transfer these emotions into each piece.
What do you like most in your profession?: It is very interesting to meet the client for the first time, I get very excited and nervous. We meet, I make a sketch of the design, we discuss it and then the creation starts. I like the entire process. I eternalize the piece with a video or a photograph and then give it away to the client and enjoy seeing their reaction.
When is the piece good enough?: It is often the case that I take the finished, beloved item home and put it by my pillow to wake up to and admire in the morning. I know perfectly well that the piece is completed when everything is in its place. It must bring joy to me and to the client.
What is the relationship between tradition and innovation in your work?: I think in the beginning you have to know the basics of a craft, be able to master it and then slowly start implementing modern technologies. To me it is very important that there is as much hand craftsmanship and as many hand tools used as possible. For innovation, I work with zirconium oxide, a material used in dentistry.

Dominykas Vakrinas is a rising star: he began his career in 2016 and he started teaching in 2016