Magdalena Maślerz

Jewellery maker

©Aleksandra Pozniak

Jewellery down to the bones

Magdalena creates unique jewellery by combining metal and animal bones
She set up her own goldsmithing school in Krakow and teaches jewellery making to students
Her artwork was displayed at numerous exhibitions in Europe and Asia

Magdalena Maślerz’s passion for jewellery making started in childhood. She always had an eye for detail and was very affected by jewellery from an early age. She began experimenting with animal bones as a material during her time at university. Magdalena owes her professional development to her mentor, Tadeusz Henzel, who taught her the art of goldsmithing. In 2013 she became a qualified goldsmith-jeweller and opened the first private goldsmithing school in Krakow. Since then Magdalena has continued to create unique artworks combining noble materials such as silver and gold with animal bones which she finds during her trips.

Interview

©Natalia Biesiada Myszak

©Magdalena Maslerz

What do you love about your profession?: What I love about my work is that I see the whole process of producing the object: from melting the material all the way to the final touches.
Why are you inspired by animal bones?: Like every goldsmith, I am inspired by nature, architecture and geometry. Bones are natural sculptures, beautiful things in themselves. I like extracting something interesting from a large fragment of the bone and making a piece of art from it.
Can you tell us a memorable moment along your professional path?: I will always remember the day I first met my mentor, Tadeusz Henzel, in front of his studio where I spent three years. I will always be grateful for the time and knowledge he shared with me. Without him, I would not be where I am now.
What do you suggest to a young person who wants to become an artisan?: Making mistakes is part of the process of mastering any skill. With patience you will understand it is important not to give up after the third attempt but rather after the fiftieth. Read a lot of books, do not be judgmental, demand a lot from yourself but avoid being a perfectionist.

Magdalena Maślerz is a master artisan: she began her career in 2013 and she started teaching in 2013