Romanian artists awarded at the International Silver Accessories Contest 2023
Exceptional creations in Metal Clay – School artists Artkimia awarded at the International Silver Accessories Contest 2023
The most beautiful creations of artists metal clay from all over the world were exhibited at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre, in Japan, from September 27 to October 1, 2023. The pieces were selected by a prestigious jury, on the occasion of the International Silver Accessories Contest, the most important competition for jewelry and accessories made FROM silver clay (silver clay).
At the 18th edition of this competition, 33 pieces were awarded out of a total of 225 entries. The theme of this year's contest was entitled "Stories", but works outside the announced theme were also accepted.
The grand prize, offered by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, was awarded to Japanese artist Miyuki Inada. She competed in the New Mokume-Gane & Nerikomi category. The three rings created by Miyuki Inada, titled witches night party were appreciated by the jury not only for their spectacular forms, but also for the variety of working techniques used. Thus, a glass pyramid was attached to one of the rings, on a surface made in the mokume-gane technique. The application of resin was also used (onion-shaped ring), and the color of the petals of the oblong-shaped ring is achieved by a special method of antiquing copper, called "hido". Minoru Miki, jewelry designer and president of the jury, appreciates that "this is a work that draws the viewer into the world of the story. It is as if the artist, who has the technical skill and modeling ability to harness the materials, has played with things beyond the limits of practical use. It makes you feel the possibility that the wings of the author's creativity lead to another world."
Unlike previous years, in the 2023 edition, the new mokume-gane and nerimoki technique, established in Japan, was preferred by many competitors. From one edition to another, the bar for the quality of the works has been raised, and this year, many pieces were of an exceptional level, so that "it is hard to believe that they are made of silver clay", is the opinion of the jury. The main criteria in the appreciation of the pieces were the beauty and originality of the materials and techniques. In the category of accessories, the focus fell on the beauty of the jewel staged when worn. Since, in general, the smaller works are overshadowed by the larger and "corpolent" ones, the jury tried not to neglect the small pieces. Every year new discoveries are made in the world metal clay and "there are still unexploited possibilities", believes Minoru Miki.
The five artists who participated in the competition from Romania, through Artkimia, the distributor of Art Clay in Romania. They are: Ana Bardac, Maria Nahlik, Flavia Volpini, Diana M. Schuhmacher and Cristina Stoica.
The good news is that two of them were awarded Honorable Mention. It is about Diana M. Schuhmacher, with the piece Timestamps, and Cristina Stoica, with the piece hide luxury It is also worth appreciating the fact that among the EU countries, Romania had the largest number of participating works (6) and awarded (2).
Ana Bardac entered the contest with the songs Finding Nemo and Ode to Eminescu. This captivating creation is a story in itself, bringing to life a delightful and meaningful scene. At the center of this work of art is Crush, the turtle from "Finding Nemo," the embodiment of the wisdom of age. The artist managed to capture the essence of the character, masterfully highlighting the contrast between mature wisdom and the innocence of childhood joy through complex techniques such as mokume-gane and cross-hatching.
By crosslinking, the artist adds an extra dimension. The fine, crepe lines are like the thread of life that unfolds gracefully, thus highlighting Crush's distinctive features. It's a subtle yet essential detail that gives the piece elegant simplicity and emotional depth.
The work Ode to Eminescu was created with Eminescu's poems in mind, especially "Beside poplars without a husband", and alludes to unrequited love. This jewel is a magnificent embodiment of poetry and deep feelings, combined in a subtle dance between noble silver and colored glass, expertly fused. With a composition that exudes elegance and refinement, the jewel pays homage to Eminescu's poetry. The fusion effect between shiny silver and colored glass gives the piece a new and vibrant dimension, illustrating not only the artist's technical skills, but also an emotional note.
"Ode to Eminescu" is not just a jewel, but a work of art that transcends purely aesthetic limits. It is a visual expression of poetic inspiration, transformed into an object of beauty and elegance. This piece not only dresses the wearer, but also gives them the opportunity to carry a corner of poetry with them, in the form of a truly remarkable piece of jewelry.
Piece Ice cream was made by Maria Nahlik and is a visual journey into the world of magic and innocence. Inspired by Ștefan Câltia's painting "Dwarf with monkey", this piece is not just a simple decoration, but also a visual story, which brings a smile to the faces of those who admire it. At the center of this delicate work of art sits a cheerful little boy holding a teddy bear and enjoying an ice cream. Every detail carved in silver brings to life the innocence and joy of childhood. The artist managed to capture the magical moment of simple pleasure, creating an image that delights and excites in equal measure.
The back of the piece reveals a carefully crafted composition in enamel, made using the cloisonné technique. This choice adds an extra layer of sophistication and vibrant colors, turning the piece into a true work of art. Vivid shades and subtle color combinations create a perfect background for the adorable story of "Ice Cream".
Flavia Volpini, from Austria, is the author of the Necklace Gilgit. The "Gilga" necklace is a fascinating work of art, made of pure silver. The artist used the syringe technique (silver clay syringe), masterfully combining modern aesthetics with inspiration from the ancestral work "The Epic of Gilgamesh". Each element of this necklace represents not only a piece of jewelry, but also a complex and ancient story. At the center of this creation are half spheres, made of precisely arranged silver threads. This artistic choice adds three-dimensionality to the necklace and reflects the fluid nature of ancient stories and myths. Each sphere appears to be a page taken from a distant era, thus enriching the entire composition.
Piece Time Imprints, made by Diana M. Schuhmacher, was awarded Honorable Mention at the International Silver Accessories Contest.
The imprint of our lives and experiences is the starting point of the artist's creative endeavor. "Everything starts from an idea, from an emotion, but only in the fever of the work do I get to visualize the object, which, with each touch, transforms acquiring its own form, its own identity...a footprint in time", says Diana M. Schuhmacher.
The wide bracelet, made of silver, serves as a canvas for a complex visual story. The multitude of petals placed vertically, with an almost crowded appearance, surprises the viewer, giving them a feeling of opulence and richness. Each petal is like a small imprint of time, representing a feeling, an emotion, or an experience in the artist's life.
The massive 22k gold bracelet decoration adds an extra layer of elegance and sophistication. Each petal appears to be a finely painted detail, and the shimmering gold lends a warm and inviting light to the entire creation. This combination of silver and gold creates a successful and balanced contrast, thus amplifying the beauty and complexity of the bracelet.
The artist's statement that everything starts from an idea and an emotion, and the work gains identity in the fever of creation becomes evident in "Time Imprints". Each detail is carefully outlined, each petal seems to tell its own story, and the bracelet as a whole becomes a carrier of personal memories and meanings.
"Time Imprints" is an artistic expression of life, a testimony of the passage of time and the imprints it leaves on our souls.
Diana M. Schuhmacher's second piece is titled Drops of life and is a pendant inspired by the spectacular Studlagil canyon in East Iceland.
The curved shape of the piece adds an element of elegance and movement, evoking the fluidity of the landscape from which the artist drew her inspiration. Hundreds of tubular threads, arranged vertically, follow this curvature, creating a cascading effect of drops reminiscent of life and the energies of nature. This architectural choice perfectly blends form and functionality, offering the viewer a unique aesthetic experience.
Each thread, longer or shorter, represents a drop of life in a natural landscape. The repetitive texture along the sides and the semicircle surrounding the central burst of yarn suggest order and harmony amidst apparent diversity.
"Drops of Life" is a visual story inspired by the wild beauty of Icelandic nature. Through this creation, the artist manages to capture the magic of the place and transform it into a jewel that brings with it the fascinating story of the Studlagil canyon.
Cristina Stoica is the second artist from Romania, who was awarded with Honorable Mention at the International Silver Accessories Contest. Her song is called occult luxury and it is a brooch that represents a geometric game that invites you to look from different angles and discover the hidden light. "The perspective from which you look is always important. That's why in this abstract and geometric brooch, the doors open in many directions, revealing the hidden light. The oxidized surface contrasts with the spaces filled with 24k gold," explains Cristina Stoica.
The name, "occulta Lux," suggests a hidden light, a mysterious light waiting to be discovered. The piece draws you into a unique geometric game, inviting you to look at it from different angles to discover all its meaningful details. The right-angled triangular shape gives the brooch an engaging symmetry while also providing a surprising framework for exploring intricate details.
The smooth and glossy surface, in intense black color, brings a touch of mystery and elegance. The doors open in various directions, with carefully calculated angles, represent an opening to the inner plane of the brooch. This carefully considered detail gives the work structural complexity and encourages the viewer to explore the hidden world of the inner world.
From the artist's explanation, we learn that "the perspective from which you look is always important." This statement is reflected in the way the brooch doors open in multiple directions, inviting the viewer to discover the light from unique angles. This abstract and geometric approach to art gives the piece a touch of subjectivity and invokes a dialogue between artist and viewer.
In 2025, at the 19th edition of the International Silver Accessories Contest, the theme proposed by the organizers is "Future", it was announced at the Art Clay Club party, organized after the awarding ceremony of the edition of this year.
Artkimia – Source of inspiration and performance in the art of jewelry
The remarkable success of the Romanian artists at this year's International Silver Accessories Contest 2023 brings to the fore the substantial contribution of the jewelry school Artkimia. Artkimia not only supports budding artists, but also provides them with the perfect platform to develop their creativity and technical skills.
Courses offered by Artkimia they are both art lessons and true journeys of exploration into the world metal clay. Artkimia is the school that supports artistic aspirations, providing essential know-how and logistical information for those willing to follow the fascinating path of jewelry.
We strongly encourage all those interested in participating in future editions of the International Silver Accessories Contest to explore the possibilities offered by the art and jewelry school's training courses and mentoring sessions Artkimia. Here, passion for art and talent are guided to excellence, opening doors to a bright future in the world of jewelry.
International Silver Accessories Contest 2023 – Award winners
