| One On One Break | Ruta Reifen | The Metal Princes |
| Belive it or not, my first post ever was about Ruta Reifen’s graduation project. I remember how amazed I was starring at her “Waiting for Godot” for a very long time. A lot has changed since then. Ruta is on her way to become a jewelry rock star in the city of all possibilities NYC and me… well you know, I’m here. The one thing that hasn’t change is Ruta’s ability to treat metal as her own bread and butter. This girl with the big bright eyes and the most radient face is my next One On One Break. www.rutareifen.com |
| I’d love to hear about you, your journey, how it all began. | |
| After high school my family and I moved to London for a year. I studied in acting school full-time, theatre was and still is my first love. I decided to take evening beginners Jewelry making class with Liz Collins at Central Saint Martins College of Art. I was 17 at the time and had no idea what a great opportunity this would be. I immediately fell head over heels for the craft of silversmithing- I knew then and there that I belong at a jewelry bench with saw blades, files, torches, wax carving tools, drill bits, hammers, burrs, and most importantly METAL. It was so great, I used to sneak into classes that I wasn’t registered for just to keep working. So I ended up at Shenkar College of Engineering and Design and majored in Jewelry Design. Immediately after I continued my academic journey at the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence RI, to get my MFA. | RutaReifen |
| Can you describe your work process for me? | |
| My process is so specific; I can’t resist it even though I’ve tried. Before I embark on a new or continue a body of work, I have many sleepless nights. I cannot sleep because I’m constantly thinking about the work. When I approach my bench, I let the mind rest and my intuition completely takes over. The aesthetic quality of my work is incredibly important to me and composition is everything!!! Maker hat is on, and the work begins. | RutaReifen |
| Which materials do you work with? | |
| Primarily metal, this material never ceases to challenge me as a maker. Gold, Silver, Copper they are elements- isn’t that crazy and fabulous? I always use one more material; this is where the materiality and crafting of the work become a part of its conceptual content. I love combining earthy substances with metal, they contrast as well as compliment each other. Recently I’ve been using Auto-motive paint with metal; I use it in a way so they enhance each other. | RutaReifen |
| What is the most unusual piece you have ever designed? | |
| I carved a huge log pendant out of wax and converted it with metal. The shift to a larger scale was a big step out of my comfort zone. Making a sculptural object that completely disregarded the body was a great exercise for me. | RutaReifen |
| I’d love to hear the story behind your MA final project. | |
| My MFA thesis work was a commentary to my observation on how we, as a modern western society, due to mass digital media, are exposed to sights we would have hardly come across otherwise in our daily lives. In my crafting process, I mimic the way I perceive the natural world rather than its appearance, in the form of flowery asymmetrical compositions. | RutaReifen |
| What’s next? What is your dream? | |
| I am now working on a new collection still dealing with the idea of “hyper reality”. I want to focus even more on wearable jewelry pieces. Little exaggerated treasures from nature- or are they? | RutaReifen |
| I’m curious to know where does your inspiration come from? | |
| I research, raise questions, and write; my work is always responding or related in some form to social phenomena. | RutaReifen |
| Can you tell me which designers inspire you? | |
| Every artist/designer is smart in a different way. I am lucky to have so many talented friends and so I guess it is my friends that are most Inspiring. | RutaReifen |
| What about some web sites and blogs that you visit regularly? | |
| I promise this is the honest truth- DesignBreak is my favorite, you are so design savvy and you feature such good work it is a pleasure to read your words!! I also go on ‘wearable art’ occasionally, Design Milk, Design*Sponge, and of course- Anthropologie. | RutaReifen |
| What is the best advice you’ve ever received? | |
| Two Women that are a true inspiration to me, RI based Jewelry artist and educator Noam Elyashiv said to me a few years ago: Don’t be afraid, just keep working! It made me realize that I shouldn’t waste my time on negative energy. And Biba Shutz a NY based Jewelry Artist and Metal sculpture said to me recently: If there are mice in your studio, sleep on the table! The Biba way saying be rigorous and committed. | RutaReifen |
| If you had an extra hour each day what would you do with it? | |
| Work in my studio!!! (- am I a workaholic?) | RutaReifen |
| And finally, please do share something random or quirky about yourself! | |
| I hate cooking with a passion. I miss my Mom’s cooking so much!!! | RutaReifen |
