UNDERSEA WORLDS: EXPLORING THE NATURAL BEAUTY WITH CHARO CASTERES & CAROL KINGSBURY GWIZDAK

Diving into the depths of the oceans, jewellery designers Charo Casteres and Carol Kingsbury Gwizdak find inspiration in the mesmerising world beneath the waves. Casteres' algae brooch and Kingsbury's Under the Sea collection, featuring pieces such as Flotsam and Jetsam, showcase the designers' passion for nature and their commitment to ecological awareness.

Carol Kingsbury, a Cluster Contemporary Jewellery Exhibitor for 2022, creates pieces that focus on ecological issues and draw from the visual and conceptual language of the natural world. In her work, Kingsbury challenges the traditional notion of 'precious' in jewellery by replacing gemstones with natural treasures she finds. Her use of ephemeral plant matter contradicts the idea of jewellery as 'precious and permanent’, redirecting the focus to the environment. With climate change becoming increasingly urgent, Kingsbury's work takes on an archival approach, incorporating materials like plastic sand found on local beaches.

Mallow Ring by Carol Kingsbury Gwizdak | **BUY THIS PIECE HERE**

Finding inspiration in the elements, Kingsbury immerses herself in the sun, rain, and wind while also staying informed about environmental issues and the evolving climate crisis. By looking across disciplines from science to art, she constantly questions everything and seeks to engage her audience's curiosity.When asked about the feelings she hopes to evoke in those who wear her jewellery, Kingsbury acknowledges that the maker, wearer, and viewer all interpret the piece differently based on their knowledge and values. Her goal is to engage curiosity and even spark discussion around the importance of valuing and respecting the natural world.

Charo Casteres, born in San Sebastian, has built a unique trajectory in the world of jewellery design based on her previous architectural experience. Casteres' architectural perspective has allowed her to analyse and outline each project, giving every movement and form a sense of purpose and intention. Her experience has taught her the importance of small details, craftsmanship, forms, and senses, and has led her to create meaningful and beautiful jewellery.

Casteres brings an artisanal and unique approach to her designs, drawing inspiration from architecture, nature, art, and any stimuli capable of communicating emotion. She uses her special techniques and materials to give meaning to every detail, intimately linking imagination, creation, and design to each person who wears her pieces.

Casteres enjoys working with a wide range of materials, exploring different design opportunities with each. She likes using gold, silver, brass, and copper, which enable her to create fresh prototypes and final pieces in various materials when necessary.

Inspiration for Casteres comes from architecture, nature, art, and any stimuli capable of transmitting emotion. When asked about what she wants someone to feel when wearing her jewellery, she emphasises the intimate link between imagination, creation, and design. She aims to create jewellery that is an extension of the wearer's personality and the moment they want to convey.

Charo Casteres' jewellery, imbued with the magic of intimacy and extraordinary expressive potential, is a testament to her dedication to craftsmanship and her unique approach to design. Her work is a celebration of beauty, with a meaning that resonates with each person who wears her creations.

Under the Sea by Carol Kingsbury Gwizdak | **BUY THIS PIECE HERE**

In an interview with Cluster, Kingsbury shares some insights into her work and inspiration. When asked about a piece represented in the Cluster show, she chooses "Under the Sea," a new piece inspired by the oceans. As a designer and environmentalist, Kingsbury subverts the concept of 'precious' in jewellery to highlight the natural world's value. The piece, made of seaweed and patinated hammered copper, sits in a flask that suggests dual meanings: both precious and untouchable, or a trophy ripped from its natural habitat.

Kingsbury's journey as a jewellery designer began when she realised her passion for environmentalism could be expressed through art. Her evolution as a designer has been driven by her desire to create pieces that engage with, value, and respect the natural world. The materials she uses in her work, which she sources directly from the outdoors, are eclectic and varied, reflecting her experience in a multidisciplinary art college.

Testing Times by Carol Kingsbury Gwizdak

Her working method involves using unique materials and techniques to create jewellery with a personal and eternal story. She currently works on two lines aimed at the international market. The first line focuses on developing one-of-a-kind pieces, selecting materials in collaboration with the client, based on the design, intended recipient, relevance, and budget. This process is reminiscent of an architectural project, with the client's involvement until their expectations are met, resulting in exclusive and personal pieces.

The second line of work stems from continuous analysis, design, experimentation, and the desire to create collections that can be replicated in limited series without losing their personal character. This approach allows her to optimise processes, increase production, and cater to an audience seeking unique pieces at a more affordable price. She currently works with gold-plated brass and sterling silver but is capable of incorporating precious stones and metals.

Algae Earrings by Charo Casteres | **BUY THIS PIECE HERE**

Charo Casteres and Carol Kingsbury's designs are not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful, inviting us to reflect on our relationship with the environment and the preciousness of the natural world. By using the language of jewellery to convey a message of ecological awareness, these designers challenge our perceptions and offer an opportunity to engage with the beauty of undersea worlds in a unique and thought-provoking way.

Both designers work is available for purchase through the Cluster online store.