Rodrigo Saavedra Castillo

Jewellery maker

Bringing the Mexican spirit to contemporary jewellery

Rodrigo is enchanted by the potential of jewellery
He developed his love for crafts within his creative family
His work is always reminiscent of his Mexican Caribbean roots

Growing up in Mexico, Rodrigo Saavedra Castillo became fascinated by the world of craft through his family. “My sister was a prominent marionette maker and everybody in the family was creative with their hands,” he explains. He himself was drawn to jewellery from an early age. “I was enchanted by the battle between the baroque and contemporary jewellery that Mexican women were wearing in the 1970s and 1980s. It was a mysterious universe I wanted to explore.” After focusing first on diamond engraving, Rodrigo expanded the scope of his work by combining precious, semiprecious and upcycled materials in contemporary jewellery. Although he moved to Belgium long ago, his work remains infused with the spirit of his native country. “Whether the stones, amber or coral come from Mexico or the inspiration for a work is kindled by its history or my own roots, the Mexican Caribbean influence is omnipresent.”

Interview

Are there any memorable moments in your professional life?: There are two very different ones that stand out. One is a very interesting conversation with King Philip of Belgium on fairly sourced gold and silver, at an event in which I presented my art. The other moment is a ritual offering I made at a Mexican coral reef where sharks live. I offered a cast silver shark's tooth set with a sapphire and two diamonds.
What are some of your concrete sources of inspiration?: Nature and specifically its manifestation in ourselves, our instinct mirroring the ebb and flow of the sea. Isolating emotions, representing them in three-dimensional objects, is also a constant source of inspiration for me.
What does 'well made' mean to you?: Well made' is simple: when the wearer and craftsperson are equally proud of their common denominator – The Jewel. Durability is crucial as well, sharing with the next generation is a trademark of quality.
What would you say to a young person who wishes to pick up the same craft?: Young people should know that in transforming material to fulfil its maximum aesthetic potential, one also transforms one's self... embrace the journey!

Rodrigo Saavedra Castillo is a master artisan: he began his career in 1995 and he started teaching in 2005