Nauris Našlėnas

Naurio

Jewellery maker

©Darius Gumbrevičius

A new adventure in jewellery making

Nauris embarked on the path of craftsmanship at the age of 40
He is self-taught in jewellery making
The financial crisis of 2008 encouraged him to change career

Nauris Našlėnas was always drawn to subtle, detail-oriented work. He had always wanted to make jewellery but the true opportunity arose for him at the time of the financial crisis of 2008. Before this, he worked as a graphic designer for a magazine. In 2008 he thought to himself, "If not now, then when?" and that is how what had been a dream became his way of life. Having learned the craft on his own, he is still learning, gaining experience and consulting with other jewellers. Nauris is currently creating jewellery that combines simplicity, practicality, and elegance. He enjoys working the most with silver and gold, as well as colourful gemstones. Smooth metal surfaces are brought to life by glittering stones and subtle decorative accents in his creations.

Interview

©Darius Gumbrevičius

©Darius Gumbrevičius

When did you start creating and what was the process?: I started creating jewellery only when I was 40 years old. Until then I had worked as a graphic designer for a magazine, but then the 2008 economic crisis came along and working in the press did not seem appealing anymore. Then I thought, it is time to change up my life. And so I turned to jewellery. I studied with Darius Gerlikas for several months, and then worked independently by myself. I learned from my own mistakes and consulted with other jewellers. It was a long process. A long and difficult journey through suffering and trials.
What was your first creation?: A silver ring.
What do you like most in your job?: The process of creation, turning an idea into a physical matter, when you finally wash the dirty object. I enjoy the meditative, slow working process – moving towards uncovering the final shine of the product. Sometimes, even for myself it is a surprise when I go from the sketch to the finished piece, the transition from an object on a flat plane to a 3D creation. You never really know how exactly the final product will turn out.
What would you say to a young person wanting to become jeweller?: First of all, you need a lot of patience. And to not get discouraged by initial failures. You need to be able to problem solve, experiment - you have to be all three: inventor of new ideas, designer, and expert of technologies.

Nauris Našlėnas is a master artisan: he began his career in 2008 and he started teaching in 2010