My name is Katarzyna Wysocka and I live in Krakow, Poland. I was born here, I have roots here and I'm "soaked" with history, art and architecture of this city, called "the gem of Poland". I've studied architecture and I'm a landscape designer by occupation.
From childhood I was interested in design, color, and textures - all, that comes with idea of creating something not only beautiful, but also functional. To be honest, I was good in generating ideas, not in crafting items... Too fast, lack of patience - my family and friends told me I had "two left hands".
But it had to change - three years ago I was preparing for my own wedding and looking for jewelry. Nothing was really interesting for me until I saw a piece of soutache - a masterpiece that I could not afford, but I fell totally in love with it.
Moreover, I have fallen in love with soutache jewelry in general - so I decided I have to learn how to make it, because otherwise I would have to confess my loss... First, I made several items for myself, then for my close friends and relatives. I've worked hard to improve my technique, looked for hints and advice in the Internet.
I found out crafting very relaxing, for me it's the best way to chill out after a busy day at work or just to calm down. Even more - it's the great way to feel more artist than a landscape designer!
At work, by designing gardens and other landscapes, I have to fulfill my customers wishes and sometimes I feel bend by them - but when making jewelry I'm free to use my imagination. I look for an inspiration in the nature and plants - their colors and forms, but also I'm a big fan of glass-stained windows and they're my great source of inspiration too.
I like playing with colors and of course I have my favorite - I'm totally, absolutely mad about turquoise color. Call it Tiffany blue, teal, robin's egg color - I love all shades of turquoise!
I find pleasure in working with colored crystals and natural stones and gemstones - especially with Russian amazonite, mainly because of its color of course. No wonder that I used it in my Jade Dragonfly Necklace I made for the Fashion Colorworks this year!
I found the information about Fashion Colorworks Beading Contest in 2013. The idea of mixing three colors in one piece was - in my opinion - great and inspiring, so I decided to participate, even if I was aware I was the very beginner. I also took part in 2014 contest, and naturally this year. When I saw all the amazing pieces I thought I would be more than happy if I could make the final. I felt it would be a good reward for my work.
And then it came the day of announcing the winners - first I could not believe my necklace won the first prize in its category, but then I saw it also took the Grand Prize - Best in Contest! It's the best reward an artist can get, don't you think? The contest for me is a great fun, but I like the competition too. No way will I miss the Fashion Colorworks 2016...
My gallery on MyLovelyBeads.com
About author:
| Katarzyna Wysocka, Krakow, Poland | |
| Email: | wysocka.k@googlemail.com |
| Blog: | galeriamagia.blogspot.com |
| Etsy shop: | www.etsy.com/shop/AtelierMagia |
| Facebook: | facebook.com/MagiaSoutache |
