Last month, I headed to the Park Avenue Armory for the SOFA exhibition with a fellow jewelry-making friend. She was interested in hearing a lecture by Georg Dobler, a renowned German jeweler. Since I have been estranged from my jewelry making, I was looking forward to the exhibition and lecture. We perused the endless aisles of well-designed objects and then headed to the lecture hall.
Mr. Dobler took us through a slide show comprised of his work and inspiring images of geometry and nature. His voice was unexpectedly soft-spoken and his silver hair and thick-rimmed glasses silently screamed seasoned artist. As German was his first language, Mr. Dobler paused momentarily from time to time to find the “right word” in English to describe a feeling or experience. I listened intently. I found all of this enchanting, for what became obvious was that Mr. Dobler was authentic. Early into the lecture, my artist self felt a connection with Mr. Dobler.
It turns out Georg had contemplated questions earlier in his career that I have asked myself: “Do I design and manufacture jewelry that will fit the trend, or do I make jewelry that fits my design aesthetic?” Add a layer of unsolicited skepticism from others, and you have enough static inside your head to bring creativity to a screeching halt. So, how do you cut through the noise and find your truth? Georg offered the following advice: Get enough sleep and don’t immerse yourself in too much news. In other words, make space in your mind for creativity. The rest will come to you.
When asked about his students over the years, Georg said he did not teach certain techniques. Instead, he helped them “find their voice.” His approach to teaching also encouraged authenticity. Finding your truth can take a lifetime – it took me ten years to find my voice as an artist. Even if “chunky is in,” I prefer delicate pieces. Sure, jewelry is cheaper with base metal and plastic; however, I prefer precious metals, pearls and colored gemstones. I love to incorporate hammered metals with a matte finish at my discretion, regardless of whether gold or silver is the hot commodity. I once received great advice from a designer who said, “Make sure there is continuity between your lines. You want people to come back and buy other pieces, and the continuity will make them all work together.” Georg helped me connect the dots – this continuity is your voice, your authenticity.
Georg’s jewelry is breathtakingly beautiful – his bold designs range from geometric, three-dimensional shapes to organic shapes of plants accented with striking gemstones. I am grateful for artists like Georg, who inspire me to stay true to my design aesthetic. Right now, I am reacquainting myself with my love for writing and photography. Eventually, I’ll get back to the jewelry. I’m not sure when, but I know if I make space, it will come back to me.
Tags: art, creative expression, georg dobler, jewelry
