The Art of Jewelry for Bold Women: Elena Canter

Jeweler/Artist Elena Canter

At the most recent session of the Première Classe accessories show in Paris, I discovered a most exquisite jewelry artist and sculptor, ELENA CANTER. This Spanish designer’s creations left such a strong impression that I had to know more…Fortunately, Elena graciously agreed to an interview, so we could all get to know more about her vision and creative process:

- I have seen your latest lookbook, and my impression is one of a Strong, “Amazon” Woman, who is not afraid to speak boldly through her jewelry and who might be a fan of “Industrial” aesthetics and “Minimalist” fashion, as it might exist today. How would you characterize the “Elena Canter” Woman?

- Elena Canter woman is a woman of her time, lover of the past times but also interested about the future. She is passionate about her job; a mother, always studying, investigating and discovering Jewels are a language for me, a way of expression, a feeling or a thought drawn in metals.

“Masu” Necklace, Elena Canter

- I have read that you are indeed a product of industrial-era Bilbao, along with other, “softer” Spanish and global influences. Artistically, how do you reconcile the hard and soft influences on your work?

I usually like combining different elements which influence all my work: the urban aesthetics and its crossbreeding between the future and the past, which has been the greatest influence in my last works. The silent beauty of deserted buildings in contrast with the skyscrapers’ polished lines and avant-garde architecture. Also industrial landscapes: cranes and smokestacks, oxidized by salty air. Besides, wrought-iron works from rural architecture. Some folklore elements such as ornamental buttons and lace; geometric sets from the Art-Decó style; period clothing; comics…Sculptors such as Chillida and Oteiza; painters such as Picasso, Miró and artists such as Serra, Calder or Brancusi among others. All these influences are present in most of my works.

- As we are in a difficult period for Europeans and for the world economically and socially, what role do you see your art playing in Spain and in the world in this context?

Nowadays, in hard times, my creations are more pure, more naked. They reflect the sensitivity of the time that we have to live. I am not really sure what will be the situation of my work in the future, in Spain or worldwide, but I will keep on working with the same strength and hope.

- Do you see your jewelry work as “fashion” in 2012 and going forward? Where do you see fashion as art or, art as fashion, going from here?

I always try to make my jewels contemporary but also timeless, not tied to any fashion concept. I have chosen an aesthetic road to which I am devoted, a style of my own. I want my work to have a meaning, personality and strength, regardless of time.

- Muchisimas Gracias, Señora Canter!

Thank you very much, Allegra!