Trinidad Contreras

Jewellery maker

©Ketevan Gvinepadze

©Trinidad Contreras

Transforming the unusual

Each one of Trinidad's pieces are treated in a unique way
Innovation goes hand in hand with transformation
Daily life inspires her

The contemporary jewellery creations of Trinidad Contreras are imbued with ingenuity, following endless and passionate research. She combines unusual materials that then coexist in harmony, challenging their potentials and introducing new textures to old forms. Porcelain, metal, leather and fabric are incorporated into brooches, earrings or necklaces; her collections and one-of-a-kind pieces are either functional or carry a message through symbols and metaphors. She does not make sketches in advance of making, the process is organic: a constant flux of energy and ideas, of solutions and decisions made on the spot. Trinidad has participated in several exhibitions in Spain and abroad. Her background is in sculpture and specifically with an interest in porcelain – using the slip casting technique.

Interview

©Jorge Marin-Buck

©Ketevan Gvinepadze

Do you have other artistic interests, beyond jewellery making?: I have always felt the need of making with my hands, I was debating between painting and sculpture when I came across artistic jewellery which immediately caught my attention. It was different from the traditional form as it allowed me to create sculptural pieces on a small scale, in a basic workshop.
Have you mastered any technique in particular?: When I work metal and porcelain I have to be disciplined as I am dealing with two different crafts. For metal I use basic techniques, for assembling I use optical screws and I prefer not to enamel the porcelain to enhance its texture. What matters most to me is to give each piece a different soul.
Do you see your pieces as wearable sculptures?: Thanks to slip casting, I can achieve light volumes with porcelain, this allows me to then literally cut pieces different sizes and combine them. Jewellery is created as it is being made, in an organic and transformative process which is challenging, yet inspiring.
Do you have any memorable stories from the exhibitions you have taken part in?: Following my graduation at Escuela Messana, I received an award at the “Marzee International Graduate Show” in Nijmegen, followed by a scholarship to be a resident artist at Marie-José van den Hout gallery. I lived in the Netherlands for one year, and it was an extremely fulfilling personal and professional experience.

Trinidad Contreras is a master artisan: she began her career in 2007 and she started teaching in 2014