Hi Claudia!

Congratulations on being selected
as the Winner for the Cluster Residency 2021

How would you introduce yourself to the Cluster readers?

I am Claudia, I am a jewellery artist based in Tallinn and working mostly with face and nose jewellery. Shy by nature, I am quite a workaholic, most definitely got it from my parents. My language is more visual,
that’s often the reason why I prefer taking  pictures over writing.
In my works I combine fashion, jewellery, and photography
to bring my visions to life. Different interests have come to me naturally and I always seek to find new inputs to my journey.

How did you get here on your creative journey?

Curiosity and hard work have led me here. Work-wise,
I have never created for anyone else other than myself.
Somehow, I have found my way to people who have helped
me a lot (more than they know). Collaboration and keeping an open mind are my approach. I just really love what I do.

Tell us about the work you submitted…

Sunwheel Of My Heart, which took a good 4 months to finish
because it was locked away from me for 2 months,
represents Athenian sunlight. I just fell in love with the city and  captured my own shadows and sunlight there. Sunchain is its little sister,
also about   Athenian light. When you wear this under sunlight,
little light dots appear on surfaces.

Circle Glasses (my first physical interpretation of making frames),
Cosmic Landscape Mask (which helped me let go of my search
for perfection), and Mask for Celebrating (a really intricate textile,
like haute couture) were all created during my NYC residency.

I also submitted a set of pieces that were made for the VI Artishok Biennial in 2018, themed Estonian fashion. I took inspiration
from the Seto culture and reflected their heavy jewellery (coin necklaces, chin high brooches on their chests etc) through my own spectrum.
My signature motif with discs, movement, and sound was a good match.

Ultimately, I submitted my BA Graduation work. I wanted to create
a collection of nose and face pieces with my own interpretation.
This mask was born from the idea of attaching a piece to one’s face without extra support. This work represents the beginning of my mask journey. During the time I was putting together the collection,
I was playing around with the idea of creating different structures
on my face. This piece is my proudest moment.

How would you describe your creative style
and way of working?

Honestly, quite chaotic. My work is based on my emotions
and insecurities (and finding ways not to feel those anymore)
so whenever I get an idea I am very happy about,
I work non-stop 14 hours a day. There’s not an inch of exhaustion
in my body during that time, only fireworks blasting and hands moving without me giving any directions. When a new body of work is finished,
I feel a sense of elation.

Social media and you: the good, the bad and the ugly.
Tell us all…

Social media for me is a tool to showcase my creations,
give insight to the jeweller's process and connect with like-minded creatives. So far it has brought me amazing opportunities
but there are times I would love to step aside and not be so keen
on picking up this tool all the time. It’s a blessing and a curse
at the same time but a curse only because I spend the majority
of my time there during the day.
I am on my way to trying to tone it down.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

Excitement about a new day and good coffee.
Sometimes I wonder why I even need to sleep. Not that I don’t like sleeping but the anticipation of getting to the studio is sometimes
so great that I can’t fall asleep (laughing).

Who are your idols?

I don’t really have idols. My family and friends are big sources of inspiration for me
but if I would then have to choose, perhaps, my cat. Such an independent creature minding his own business,
doing everything without asking permission, and not comparing himself with others.
My family and I wonder all the time how we were able to get this interesting fur-ball with character to ourselves.

Tips, tricks and secrets for making it in the art world?

Still learning it. Staying true to myself has helped me a lot.
Making it has never been the goal and I think it shouldn’t be.
Being recognised for your art is rather a bonus.