Jewellery to express identity and ideas
- Kajsa collaborates with private and professional clients to create distinctive pieces
- She works mainly with silver, and includes other materials such as leather, shell and stone
- Female icons and societal movements inspire much of her aesthetic
Kajsa Avila's style is characterised by her blending of historical significance with modern elements. She draws inspiration from iconic women like Rosa Parks and Frida Kahlo, among others, as well as politics and the fast pace of contemporary life. Her work often features her silversmithing skills combined with other materials in vibrant pinks, reds, and oranges, and incorporates organic feminine forms and symbols. Kajsa's pieces aim to convey powerful messages and connect to historical moments of activism, reflecting her interest in people and their experiences. For example, she creates pieces that pay homage to political badges used by human rights movements and reimagines modern accessories with a twist. Despite her interest in typical feminine symbols, Kajsa also focuses on creating unisex statement jewellery that reflects the intricate relationship between ideas, form, material and the individual. Using geometric shapes, bold colours, and materials like silver and leather, she also makes a signature tie necklace that can be worn by anyone, breaking traditional gender boundaries.
Interview
- How did you take up jewellery making?
- I have been creative since childhood and at 17, I started making gold chains with a duo of goldsmiths. I loved the craft and the workshop environment. I trained in another goldsmith workshop and attended art and jewellery courses, before pursuing a five-year metal design course at university. Throughout my career, I have focused on classic craft techniques with noble metals like silver and gold.
- What is the unique appeal of jewellery to you?
- I see jewellery making as a language to convey messages. My degree project on social structures deepened this view. Creating jewellery pieces allows me to translate ideas into tangible, symbolic forms, meticulously choosing materials and colours, with the aim of bringing joy and understanding.
- What are your sources of inspiration?
- I am deeply inspired by strong, iconic women. Their strength and stories influence my work, where I feature feminine symbols, organic shapes, and iconic objects like cameos. Current events, political history and freedom of speech also inspire me. By studying historical shapes and symbols, I create pieces with deeper meaning, aiming to bring significance to everyday life.
- What do you love most about your profession ?
- What I love most is the creative process and working with my hands. I enjoy translating ideas into material forms, experimenting with techniques, and exploring the meaning of objects. I enjoy forging silver against iron or wood and casting shapes in wax, which offer endless learning and contrast, and make the craft fulfilling.
Kajsa Avila is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2004
Where
Kajsa Avila
