Claudia’s art captures the endless yearning for creating small galaxies of theatrical pieces.
year of birth: 1996
birthplace: Tartu, Estonia
current residence: Tallinn, Estonia
started making jewelry in 2015, when she started her studies at the Estonian Academy of Arts. Before that, she was working on small fashion collections and took part in local fashion competitions.
Where did it all begin?
My interest in jewelry came after I started making wire flowers some ten years ago. I used it as a repetitive component and created my own universes.
What is the worst advice you’ve heard?
I have been facing anxiety most of my adulthood. Last year I was told “you are making anxiety up for yourself, just forget about it and it will be gone’’. I think we can all agree that that’s not how it works. Advice from my own field of expertise is something I prefer taking in after evaluating it, so I don’t know if anyone has given me the worst advice regarding jewelry.
Most beautiful moment during the creative process?
The most beautiful moment during the creative process is when you don’t know exactly how an idea will end up being out in the physical world. I have grown fond of the unknowing. Trusting yourself and learning from the obstacles along the way is also beautiful.
What doesn’t inspire you?
Everything around me inspires me one way or another. If I have to point one thing out, it would be arrogance. I do believe in the saying “Don’t treat people as bad as they are, treat them as good as you are”. Fueling others with your bad state of mind is not the way to go.
What are you proud of?
How far I have come in my creative journey. Recently Estonian artist Kitty Floretine wore my mask for the opening act of her debut album concert. The way light reflected off the mask and filled the room with rays of light gave me butterflies and made me realize that was one of the best moments of my artistic career.
Who would you like to meet or who would you like to work with?
That has changed throughout the years. At the moment I would love to meet and work with Elizaveta Porodina. I admire her art and love observing how it develops further. Thanks to Instagram, it’s easy to get in touch with the people you admire!
Favorite material?
Definitely silver. I love how one is able to shape it like it is clay. I also love how silver can be reused endlessly.
What would you have done, if not this?
Most probably I would be a fashion designer or an architect. Being a chef is intriguing to me as well, they are all identical ways of creating art in different mediums.
When was your biggest moment of doubt?
My biggest moment of doubt that I can recall was not particularly in a bad moment but rather an act of fear for the unknown. I found out that I was in the top 3 for getting a residency spot at 92Y. My first reaction of course was joy but then I was afraid of going somewhere so far away from home. In the end I got the chance to do the residency and it was one of the best times of my life!
Who is your biggest supporter?
My biggest supporter is my family. Whatever I come up with, they are there for me. I love them for that!
Favorite image?
This image is my all-time favorite because the mask and hat were created for my first group exhibition! My topic was the Seto culture and how I could create my vision around their jewelry.
What is the most beautiful sentence to you?
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”
I have been relearning how there are variations of beauty, opinions and ways of life. To coexist in this world is stunning and sharing views on different subjects is very enriching.
What do you still want to do?
My dream is to make a collection for theater and dance productions. Seeing my art come to life on a physical body is a dream. I have had opportunities to see my masks in action, but creating a whole world for dance would be amazing!
Where do you work?
I work in my studio at Põhjala Factory in Tallinn, Estonia.
makers over hun passie. 