Creativity knows no borders, and neither does the thirst for knowledge. When Marta Kutsir arrived in Sarajevo from Lisbon as an Erasmus student, she brought with her a passion for design and an eagerness to explore new dimensions of craftsmanship. As a Product Design student at the Academy of Fine Arts in Sarajevo, she had the privilege of working under the guidance of Professor Nataša Perković, an educator known for her individual approach to every student.
Professor Perković is deeply committed to fostering creativity and confidence in her students, encouraging them to step beyond the academic environment and engage with real-world studios and companies. She understands that design is not just about theory but about hands-on experience, collaboration, and continuous exploration. She inspires students to be patient with their process, to take the time to discover their unique artistic voice, and to refine their skills through practical application. It was through this philosophy that Marta was introduced to our studio.
Eager to push her project further, Marta wanted to translate her design into sterling silver and gemstones. We were more than happy to support her ambition, guiding her through the intricate process of jewellery-making. What followed was a journey of dedication, experimentation, and artistic growth.
Marta visited our studio many times, working diligently to refine her necklace design. One of the key challenges was achieving both the visual impact and wearability of the piece. Her concept demanded a substantial, sculptural form, yet it needed to be as lightweight as possible. To tackle this, we introduced her to a practical technique: carving a negative model in clay, pouring wax into it, and creating a hollow form suitable for casting. This method, often overlooked in traditional jewellery training, opened up new possibilities for her design.
Her necklace, cast in sterling silver, was adorned with deep red gemstones - a symbolic nod to roses, which formed the heart of her concept. As Marta worked on the final piece, she navigated the painstaking yet rewarding process of cleaning, refining, and polishing the silver. Initially envisioning a high-polish finish, she remained open to experimentation, embracing various textures that transformed the piece in unexpected ways. This willingness to adapt, to let the material and process guide her, is what truly sets an emerging designer apart.
Marta was an exceptional student - not just because of her skill, but because of her mindset. Many young creatives struggle with the slow and often unpredictable nature of craftsmanship, longing for instant success. Marta, however, found joy in the process itself. Her patience, perseverance, and genuine enthusiasm for learning were inspiring.
For us, working with Marta was not just about assisting in the making of a necklace. It was about exchanging knowledge, rediscovering the joy of teaching, and seeing craftsmanship through fresh eyes. Every student brings a new perspective, and Marta’s journey reminded us why we do what we do - not just to create, but to cultivate learning.
And as a delightful side note, we also discovered that Marta is an incredible cook! One day, she surprised us with a traditional Ukrainian cake called „pliatsok“, which disappeared almost as quickly as it was served.
We have no doubt that Marta will go on to do remarkable things in the world of design. Watch out for this fierce and talented creator, her journey is just beginning.
