From neurologist to jewellery maker
- Irina's artisanal journey began with a brooch in a museum in Brussels
- Her first collection evoked the world of Henri Rousseau
- Antique lace, nature and the arts inspire her
St. Petersburg jeweller Irina Shabut thrives on paradoxes. After 13 years as a neurologist, she left the St. Petersburg Military Medical Academy and launched her own jewellery brand, Shabut Jewelry. Her first collection of jewellery, released in 2015, was entitled The World of Henri Rousseau. Evoking the exotic imagery of the escapist world of Rousseau, she created lush and voluminous silver flowers in sensual shapes. Irina went on to make jewellery from porcelain, then developed a technique to transfer patterns from handmade lace to silver. “We have gorgeous antique lace in the family that is very precious to us, and I wanted to preserve this beauty,” she says. “I think this is a beautiful way of preserving a family heirloom.”
Interview
- What do you admire about Henri Rousseau?
- This French naïve artist saw the world in a magical light. He embodies what many people dream about but often can’t do: he had the courage to take his own path. He was a toll and tax collector, a self-taught artist, and he would place his easel just about anywhere and paint.
- When were you first inspired to become a jewellery maker?
- It all started suddenly during a holiday to Belgium. I came across the Victor Horta Apartment Museum, and I couldn't take my eyes off one brooch in the shape of a ginkgo leaf. I wanted it desperately. I suddenly thought that surely there must be a way to make something similar, so why not try it myself?
- Has any moment in your career stood out?
- I used to feel awkward when designers asked me about my education. Then at one point I said: 'I graduated from the St. Petersburg First Pavlov State Medical University. The cost of a mistake in a surgical ward is a lot higher than a mistake making a silver flower.' That answer left a strong impression.
- What inspires your work?
- Nature and the arts are my favourite topics. One of my most recent collections was inspired by the fancy design of buttons on Peter the Great's outfits, which I saw at the State Hermitage Museum. I created a series of silver and porcelain jewellery inspired by these patterns.
Irina Shabut is a master artisan: she began her career in 2015 and she started teaching in 2012
Works
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Irina Shabut
