Anthony Roussel

Interview with Anthony Roussel

Award winning artist and designer Anthony Roussel is definitely creating a buzz in the jewellery world with his intricate sculptural jewellery. Born and educated in London, Anthony has degrees in both Jewellery Design and Fine Art and opened his studio in the summer of 2007. Working primarily with wood, Roussel combines modern technologies with handcraft to create pieces connected with contemporary architecture, whilst at the same time completely subverting the traditional notion of using precious materials to make jewellery. Roussel sees his own picture of structure, surface texture, movement and connectivity and converts into 3D, and has resulted in creating a respected, and widely admired contemporary jewellery collection. 

- What actually made you get into jewellery designing?

A: I never intended to become a jewellery designer, it was by accident. I had spinal surgery four years ago and the recovery was extremely lengthy. During this experience, my mobility was restricted and it led me to explore the work of body modifying artist Rebecca Horn. This eventually drew me to creating pieces that engage with the human body.

- How would you describe your style?

A: I do not necessarily have a style but I like to think of my work as being travelling sculptures where the object is transported and seen on the body in various environments, rather than viewing the object displayed in a fixed location as you would do in a gallery.

- What were your initial concepts for your latest collection?

A: I wanted to challenge traditional notions of preciousness by using a non-precious material such as wood. I think I have encouraged people to think about questioning what is valuable.

- What/who would you say is your strongest source of inspiration?

A: The beautiful aerial photography of Yann Arthus-Bertrand, the British coastline, modern architecture and 'Fin de Siecle' Paris.

- What is the most important facet to pay attention to in your jewellery?

A: The use of modern technologies in combination with traditional sustainable materials. I have worked hard to create a collection that reflects the period I belong to. I want people to be able to look at my work in years to come and recognise that my pieces were designed in 2008/9. It is my intention to celebrate tradition as well as embrace the modern through my designs.

- Do you have any favourite materials/fabrics and/or special techniques you enjoy using?

A: Although formally trained in traditional metalwork, my real love for materials is found in wood after being introduced to working with various species by a violin maker.

I apply delicate flowing lines and sweeping curves, meticulously layering sheets of laser cut wood into 3D forms. Modelling software and digital production offer me a window into the future of contemporary jewellery design.

- What are your opinions on the current European jewellery/fashion scenes?

A: The European jewellery scene is tremendously vibrant. For me, the Dutch lead in terms of alternative use of materials. For fine jewellery, it is still the French. The Germans are the most technical, and the British are the innovators.

- What are your career plans and goals for the near and distant future?

A: I aim to work in a consultancy capacity offering my design services to luxury brands. I like what Boucheron have done by collaborating with various designers. For my own designs, my vision is to establish a brand synonymous with good ethical practices but more importantly with cutting edge design.

- Would you be able to tell us about your biggest achievements so far in the Jewellery/Fashion industry?

A: My recent awards, In particular winning the Innovation prize at the 10th Inhorgenta design podium awards in Munich, Germany.

- Do you have some words of wisdom for any young designers and our readers?

A: Find your passion and apply it to your creative talent. Passion gives you the strength to stay up all night to meet a deadline, passion provides you with the determination to achieve your potential, and passion equips you with the confidence to overcome the difficult obstacles that all young designers face.

Website : http://www.anthonyroussel.co.uk/

Written by Nashrin Azad