In the 1980s, Portuguese designer Bruno da Rocha began his journey in jewelry creation, once he started his studies at the School of Arts in Porto. Later, he chose not to go to university, remaining in the realm of manual work, and because he was seduced by jewelry, he stayed faithful to it. Even with decades of jewelry creation, this story has not changed.
Today, he is recognized as one of the great names in Portuguese jewelry design. Each of his pieces has an unique identity situated at the intersection of the arts. Over several decades, Bruno da Rocha has created his own brand, his own style, and his creations are appreciated worldwide.
"A show for me is the ending of a process, it’s when I say „this is my work, this is my passion” displayed as I like and communicate how I like, surrounded by other artists. I was very flattered that ROJW committee accepted my application", says Bruno.
Bruno da Rocha comes for the first time at Romanian Jewelry Week, which takes place between October 2-6 at the National Library of Romania.
Your relation with jewelry
My relationship with jewelry began after I went to school of arts in Porto to study Jewelry.
When I finished my obligatory studies, I decided not to go to University, I wanted something directed to work with my hands, it could be sculptor, painter, ceramic, but I found in jewelry the perfect scale, and to be an art that can be used. Totally seduced me.
The studies you followed
I went to a School of Arts in Porto and in needing more knowledge in classic jewelry I attended for 3 years in an intense learning process on a Professional School.
First piece you created
My first piece was a big dragonfly inspired by Art Noveu movement.
How were you, back then in the 80s, when you started
I was a dreamer, full of endless possibilities in front of me, I began to focus my love of drawing to design jewelry.
The relation that women in your country have with Jewelry
Women in Portugal have a strong relationship with jewelry, they use them to express their individuality and status.
As women became more independent over the decades, they began to express themselves more freely using jewelry.
How your love story with the jewels has changed over the decades of creation
My love affair with jewelry has not changed over the decades, and I feel lucky that I’m still inspired to make jewels.
Over the years, I began to feel more confident with my creations, I started to experiment more elaborated forms and materials.
What inspires you now
While I am inspired by both architectural and natural forms, I am now more focused on organic forms.
Your personal mark seen in jewelry creation
My personal mark is probably my insect inspired jewelry. I create brooches, earrings, rings, necklaces and now home jewelry I work with silver and gold, pearls, amber, porcelain, precious stones.
The creation process
I start with the inspiration, a form, then I draw different versions and create families (rings, earrings etc)
The hardest part is finding the inspiration and the organization of the business. The most beautiful part of the creative process is when I finish the all collection and see how a simple an idea become a piece of jewelry.
Work routine
I like to work in my studio, listening music, surround by my materials, books and tools. My day starts early with organizing the accounting, then distributing tasks among my team. Seat on my bench and work on my pieces.
Your jewels’ super power
My work is a journey between two atmospheres, the classic and the contemporary, the search of the perfect finishing process on each piece is fundamental. I don’t think my jewels have a `super power” but they have a unique touch, I found my way of work the silver moulded with other materials.
Your presence at Romanian Jewelry Week
It is my first participation, I’m impressed with the effort the ROJW is making to host this international event, I was very flattered that ROJW committee accepted my application. A show for me is the ending of a process, it’s when I say „this is my work, this is my passion” displayed as I like and communicate how I like, surrounded by other artists.
The collection you will present in Romania
A reinvented and luxuriant nature that, combined with great craftsmanship, resulted in emerging artistic representations, architectural and geometric shapes, insects, plants flowers and many other organic elements transported to an urban environment.
Some advices for young jewelry creators
Be true to your vision, believe in your work, that is very important. And if you plan to start your own business, learn how to run it.
