From mechanics to nature
- Vladimir's passion for jewellery grew out of an interest in car mechanics
- It takes him up to nine months to create a piece
- He has won the prestigious Russia XXI Century Award
Moscow jewellery maker Vladimir Markin welcomes challenges, thrives on experiments and excels in probing new ground. Originally thrilled by car mechanics and woodworking, he eventually found his way into the art of jewellery making. Since the beginning, his work has showcased a stunning diversity of techniques. Perhaps predictably, his fascination with mechanics revealed itself in his art for a while. However, nature is now his main focus, which he embraces in its immense variety, from onions and bluebells to maple seeds and octopuses. A globetrotter, he has travelled the world with exhibitions in cities including Moscow, London, Tokyo and Hong Kong.
INTERVIEW
Until I turned to jewellery, I liked mucking around in the garage with my car, and I also tried woodworking. It was exciting, but felt a bit bulky. But when I made a fish pendant from an engine detail and made a plaster mould for it, it became clear to me that I'd found the perfect scale in which to work.
It was the Stones collection, which we no longer make. I sought to recreate sea pebbles with a precious little secret under the surface. This collection threw a meaningful and very distinct bridge between the themes of mechanics and nature in my work.
I have always been inspired by life’s simple beauties. I spot ideas in the garage and on my writing desk; I find them in the kitchen or in the garden. Ideas are all around me, coming from the everyday mundane things I enjoy in life.
I really strive not to limit myself to particular techniques or materials. And I am ready to completely change my signature techniques more than once. I want to explore the immense variety of technology and media that are available these days.
