Rūta Petronyte

Jewellery maker | Vilnius, Lithuania

Subtle and luxurious

Rūta considers patience and consistency to be crucial in her work
She has always liked small, dainty things.
She values creativity above all

Rūta has been interested in art ever since she was a child, when she had to decide between studying painting or sculpture. The latter captivates her to this day. However, she eventually chose jewellery making, and she's never regretted it. She works patiently and consistently, drawing inspiration from her travels, dreams, experiences, feelings and surroundings. Architecture, insects or bats are embodied in silver or gold – this is what surrounds Rūta, what interests her. She describes her works as filled with subtle luxury. She doesn't chase the latest trends, nor does she enjoy attention-grabbing. What she values most is creativity.

Interview

©Linas Žukauskas

©Rūta Rylaitė

Why did you choose jewellery making?: I like it that it can be both an art and a craft. The skills I've learned while studying and working have turned my hands into tools that can provide for me. At the same time, they are able to create conceptual objects, not functional by definition but pretty to look at.
Do you have any special, unique techniques?: I have created a collection from Damascus steel. I like the repoussé technique. I have also tried a Japanese technique called mokume gane. In the past, I carved a lot of bones, wood and stone. But now I don't want to inhale any more dust.
What do people often not know about your work?: People always ask me where I get the gold from. A lot of people think I go on expeditions to the jungle, pan gold in rivers, melt sand or stone. I think this profession can seem quite mysterious and mystical. But in reality, it's very simple and down-to-earth.
What do you like most about your career?: I really enjoy having time to myself. But truth be told, that can be too much sometimes. Jewellery teaches patience and concentration. You can't hide from defects. What I like the most is giving a client the finished product. If the client is happy with it, I'm even happier.

Rūta Petronyte is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2009