The transformative power of a lost earring
- Martina's jewellery making journey began in her teens
- She refined her skills in Italy, with renowned experts like Alessandro Dari and Marco Garezzini
- Within her jewellery pieces, contradictions converge
Martina Lončar is a jewellery designer from Ljubljana. Her craft story began when she was 15 and a friend gave her a pair of earrings. She lost one and decided to make a new one. It was in this moment that the spark of her creative fire ignited. After completing her studies in art history, she moved to Italy, honing her skills in fine jewellery making through courses in Milan and Florence. There, she was mentored by renowned artisans like Alessandro Dari and Marco Garezzini. After ten years of living and working in Italy, she moved back to Slovenia and in 2020 opened her own studio in the heart of Ljubljana. Her contemporary designs bring her intimate world to life, unveiling a symphony of opposing elements. Beneath simple forms found in her creations, precious raw materials and intricate mechanisms hide, along with unadorned beauty and a celebration of imperfections. Martina's creativity is fed by ongoing research and an enduring passion for learning.
Interview
- When did you open your own workshop?
- In 2020, I opened my very own workshop in Ljubljana. Prior to this, I had been co-working in a workshop at Officine Nora since 2013. I crossed paths with numerous accomplished jewellery designers, such as Arata Fuchi and Margherita de Martino Norante in my time there.
- In what way is your craft linked to Slovenia?
- While I was studying art history, I got to see numerous cultural monuments in Slovenia. While working at Plečnik House, I encountered the remarkable mind of Jože Plečnik and I came to recognise him not solely as an architect but as an exceptional designer.
- What was a memorable moment in your professional life?
- I was honoured with the title of the best designer at the 2023 Slovenian Jewellery Week. The spotlight was on my Animalier collection, which required extensive time and effort. This award also represents recognition from esteemed colleagues whom I greatly admire.
- What would you suggest to a young artisan who wanted to become a jewellery maker?
- Stay curious, travel a lot, visit exhibitions and fairs. Read about jewellery, stay tuned to magazines and news. Complement this with consistent practice. Dedication to improvement is key – never relent in your pursuit.
Martina Lončar is a master artisan: she began her career in 2011 and she started teaching in 2017
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Martina Lončar
