What is jewellery, does it have to be shiny, whats the marvel behind it, should it tell a story? These are just but a few questions i presented to a stunning jeweler, Manaka located in the United Kingdom, and this is what she had to say.
Q: Who is Manaka?
A: My name is Mary and I live in the bustling & cosmopolitan city of London... I was born in a small mining town in the Midlands of Zimbabwe where we speak a language called Shona. Manaka translates to 'possessing beauty'
Q: What did you do to gain so much knowledge in this area?
A: I have realized that creating and making had very little to do with my education. This comes as no disrespect to teachers though as I’ve had many who inspired and fostered my creativity. Like a sponge, I collect drops of inspiration from just about anything and everything. The learning never ends... I am ever-learning and evolving...
Q:When did your career start?
A: My career started the first time I created something I was proud of... Passion for your own art is mandatory.
Q: What does your art mean to you?
A: Art to me is a form of expression...
Q: Do you think that a person must possess talent to capture emotion, expression and style?
A: I think being an artist is encoded within a person... It takes great talent and a whole lot of imagination to create something beautiful... One of my many role models is Tim Burton... I am blown away time and time again by his beautiful imagination. He draws you into a world of wonders with his brightly coloured animations... His work is as creepy as it is charming whilst beautiful and captivating. To me, this is magic...
Q: Does the price of materials matter in ways that it affects the quality of your work and products?
A: I don't think price of materials is a highly contributing factor. More important is the quality of the materials used... I use a lot of recycled and re-purposed textiles in my work and increasingly try to do so... Textiles make up 12% of landfill sites and man-made fibres products do not decompose. Recycling means I can make use of quality textiles, some of which are vintage and are not available in all shops these days... I also try and use eco-friendly alternatives such as natural threads and organic fabrics were possible
Q: Do you have a special style in your work that can single you out like strokes in a painting?
A: I create wearable art by hand... Its the magic of the human touch that sets handmakers apart... My work mirrors my love for life- the colourful, the random and its diversity! I like to create art that is offbeat and has no limits when it comes to colour! I use every colour on the pallet.
Q: What makes a good hand craft design in your opinion?
A: Its impossible to say what is good or bad... Its purely down to taste. Handmade jewellery for me is Love in form. It’s pretty easy to spot stuff that is made only for the sake of making money. You feel the lack of energy and the lack of love...
Q: What do you enjoy most about hand craft design?
A: I enjoy combining my ideas with my experiences and my fantasies and then working them through my hands till I come up with something wearable... Seeing someone wearing one of my designs is the icing on the cake. I will never forget the first time I spotted someone wearing one of my designs!
Q: What motivates you to do what you do?
A: I have a very supportive family network & my partner has been a great contributing factor to my work... Being a great artist, he is always a good & fair critic of my work whilst constantly encouraging me.
Q: What have been your most favorable moments?
A: One of my highlights so far has been joining the team at Divine Canvas Tattoos were I work and sell my art... Although I am not a tattooist, its very inspirational to be surrounded by great artists who are truly passionate about handmade jewelry, whether its in a physical object or an experience... Being part of the team has really changed my perspective on my work. I think that was the first time I truly felt like an artist. More than gaining a great confidence boost, I have also gained a family.
Love & Light.¸¸.•*¨`* ✩
Mary...✿✄--------------------------------------------------------
Manaka Handmade Jewellery Accessories
Sold Exclusively @
Divine Canvas Tattoos\ 179 Caledonian Road\ London\ N1 0SL
tel. +44(0)20 7502 7736
Shop online - www.manakahandmade.etsy.com
Facebook - www.facebook.com/manakahandmade
Blog - www.manakahandmade.tumblr.com/
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