Story
My journey- from Music to Gold Crafting
Music has always been an integral part of my life.
Early photos, in black and white, show me, toddler of 2 years old, sitting at my grandparents’ piano, trying (sometimes maybe successfully (: ) to play.
My love for Music, my undeniable talent, and the expectations of my teachers and family, made it almost inevitable that I will continue on the music path also as an adult. And so, without so many thoughts on my behalf, I pursued a Music career as a classical pianist and later on, as a musicologist, teacher and lecturer.
But something was always missing there for me. Music gave meaning to my life…yes; I experienced through it some magical, I wouldn’t exaggerate if I even say- conscious altering moments; but for some reason, which I could not explain to myself, my overall experience was seldom accompanied by this feeling of creative joy I would expect it to bring.
And so, after many years, full with many doubts and frustrations, I took a break from music…then, another break and another, and finally came to the recognition that this chapter in my life needed to be left behind and that I needed to look for the next, hopefully more accurate path for me.
It took quite a long period of creative emptiness, before I could vaguely see this new path that I was searching. Then, during one guided imagery session that I went through as part of an Emotion-focused therapy I was undergoing, I could clearly see the essences of that which I was seeking:
There were lots of colors; a prominent feeling of enthusiasm and curiosity that I related to traveling to distant places or a connection to ancient cultures. I could also see that I’m doing something that has to do with a very delicate and masterful craftsmanship; I knew that it had to involve meaningful interactions with people that will come to me; and…yes- Music was there too, prominent, but this time- it was in the background.
At this very point, I could not understand what message I’m receiving exactly, what is this colorful path that involve all those exciting qualities. Goldsmith did not even come to mind.
Early photos, in black and white, show me, toddler of 2 years old, sitting at my grandparents’ piano, trying (sometimes maybe successfully (: ) to play.
My love for Music, my undeniable talent, and the expectations of my teachers and family, made it almost inevitable that I will continue on the music path also as an adult. And so, without so many thoughts on my behalf, I pursued a Music career as a classical pianist and later on, as a musicologist, teacher and lecturer.
But something was always missing there for me. Music gave meaning to my life…yes; I experienced through it some magical, I wouldn’t exaggerate if I even say- conscious altering moments; but for some reason, which I could not explain to myself, my overall experience was seldom accompanied by this feeling of creative joy I would expect it to bring.
And so, after many years, full with many doubts and frustrations, I took a break from music…then, another break and another, and finally came to the recognition that this chapter in my life needed to be left behind and that I needed to look for the next, hopefully more accurate path for me.
It took quite a long period of creative emptiness, before I could vaguely see this new path that I was searching. Then, during one guided imagery session that I went through as part of an Emotion-focused therapy I was undergoing, I could clearly see the essences of that which I was seeking:
There were lots of colors; a prominent feeling of enthusiasm and curiosity that I related to traveling to distant places or a connection to ancient cultures. I could also see that I’m doing something that has to do with a very delicate and masterful craftsmanship; I knew that it had to involve meaningful interactions with people that will come to me; and…yes- Music was there too, prominent, but this time- it was in the background.
At this very point, I could not understand what message I’m receiving exactly, what is this colorful path that involve all those exciting qualities. Goldsmith did not even come to mind.
Surprisingly (or not), it took a few more days before I “accidentally” came across an add with an invitation to a free goldsmith lesson, in a studio located 2 blocks from where I then lived...and there started my new path…
Why "Mudita"
MUDITA, means in Sanskrit “the joy in other people’s success, happiness and wellbeing”.
The sound and meaning of this word, had long captivated and fascinated me, and I always felt it had to be for a reason.
This meaning revealed itself to me, when, during a group session I participated in- In order to get a deeper understanding of my new path as a jewelry designer- we were asked to write down on a paper, intuitively and without overthinking, what we would wish to be written on our grave. My intuitive answer was “She, who helped many people”. Wow, it overwhelmed and confused me…I could not understand what message I was getting there from my subconscious, and especially what did it have to do with jewelry design. It soon, however, became clear to me, and the word “Mudita” immediately came to mind: what fulfils me most, is when I see and recognize that the piece of jewelry I made- a composition of gold, energetic powerful gemstones and…my heart- connects, empowers and makes its new owner simply happier…
The sound and meaning of this word, had long captivated and fascinated me, and I always felt it had to be for a reason.
This meaning revealed itself to me, when, during a group session I participated in- In order to get a deeper understanding of my new path as a jewelry designer- we were asked to write down on a paper, intuitively and without overthinking, what we would wish to be written on our grave. My intuitive answer was “She, who helped many people”. Wow, it overwhelmed and confused me…I could not understand what message I was getting there from my subconscious, and especially what did it have to do with jewelry design. It soon, however, became clear to me, and the word “Mudita” immediately came to mind: what fulfils me most, is when I see and recognize that the piece of jewelry I made- a composition of gold, energetic powerful gemstones and…my heart- connects, empowers and makes its new owner simply happier…
The Creative Process
So, it all comes together when I’m at my goldsmith bench.
Almost always, the creation process starts for me around a unique gemstone I pick from my collection- a collection of hand-picked gemstones from around the world, in which each gemstone “talks” to me, mesmerizes me, arouses some distant emotions within me, carrying some messages that I cannot even put into words…
I look and absorb this energy and try to imagine the person that this stone will draw…then, intuitively, I will choose the music to be played in the studio (could be anywhere on the range between renaissance ancient classical music to English Pop).
I seldom decide in advance nor make a sketch of the piece I’m going to create.
Instead, I try to empty my mind of any pre conceptions or intentions, let myself surrender to the energy of the stone and the power of the music that is playing, and allow it to guide me through the process.
The most inspirational moments for me are when, during this time of creation, I find myself dissolved into a realm in which I have no control. In such moments (which can sometimes last long hours), there is a feeling of a mystical unity with the metal and stones I work with, with the music that plays in the studio; a feeling that it is not I who lead the process, but some other force, bigger, yet very soft and pleasant; a feeling that everything happens now exactly the way it is supposed to be and all there is to do is just flow with it without over thinking.
I then let the metal invite me to touch and process it in the “right” places, gently leading me to reveal what it asks to become.
Almost always, the creation process starts for me around a unique gemstone I pick from my collection- a collection of hand-picked gemstones from around the world, in which each gemstone “talks” to me, mesmerizes me, arouses some distant emotions within me, carrying some messages that I cannot even put into words…
I look and absorb this energy and try to imagine the person that this stone will draw…then, intuitively, I will choose the music to be played in the studio (could be anywhere on the range between renaissance ancient classical music to English Pop).
I seldom decide in advance nor make a sketch of the piece I’m going to create.
Instead, I try to empty my mind of any pre conceptions or intentions, let myself surrender to the energy of the stone and the power of the music that is playing, and allow it to guide me through the process.
The most inspirational moments for me are when, during this time of creation, I find myself dissolved into a realm in which I have no control. In such moments (which can sometimes last long hours), there is a feeling of a mystical unity with the metal and stones I work with, with the music that plays in the studio; a feeling that it is not I who lead the process, but some other force, bigger, yet very soft and pleasant; a feeling that everything happens now exactly the way it is supposed to be and all there is to do is just flow with it without over thinking.
I then let the metal invite me to touch and process it in the “right” places, gently leading me to reveal what it asks to become.
My journey- from Music to Gold Crafting
Music has always been an integral part of my life.
Early photos, in black and white, show me, toddler of 2 years old, sitting at my grandparents’ piano, trying (sometimes maybe successfully (: ) to play.
My love for Music, my undeniable talent, and the expectations of my teachers and family, made it almost inevitable that I will continue on the music path also as an adult. And so, without so many thoughts on my behalf, I pursued a Music career as a classical pianist and later on, as a musicologist, teacher and lecturer.
But something was always missing there for me. Music gave meaning to my life…yes; I experienced through it some magical, I wouldn’t exaggerate if I even say- conscious altering moments; but for some reason, which I could not explain to myself, my overall experience was seldom accompanied by this feeling of creative joy I would expect it to bring.
And so, after many years, full with many doubts and frustrations, I took a break from music…then, another break and another, and finally came to the recognition that this chapter in my life needed to be left behind and that I needed to look for the next, hopefully more accurate path for me.
It took quite a long period of creative emptiness, before I could vaguely see this new path that I was searching. Then, during one guided imagery session that I went through as part of an Emotion-focused therapy I was undergoing, I could clearly see the essences of that which I was seeking:
There were lots of colors; a prominent feeling of enthusiasm and curiosity that I related to traveling to distant places or a connection to ancient cultures. I could also see that I’m doing something that has to do with a very delicate and masterful craftsmanship; I knew that it had to involve meaningful interactions with people that will come to me; and…yes- Music was there too, prominent, but this time- it was in the background.
At this very point, I could not understand what message I’m receiving exactly, what is this colorful path that involve all those exciting qualities. Goldsmith did not even come to mind.
Early photos, in black and white, show me, toddler of 2 years old, sitting at my grandparents’ piano, trying (sometimes maybe successfully (: ) to play.
My love for Music, my undeniable talent, and the expectations of my teachers and family, made it almost inevitable that I will continue on the music path also as an adult. And so, without so many thoughts on my behalf, I pursued a Music career as a classical pianist and later on, as a musicologist, teacher and lecturer.
But something was always missing there for me. Music gave meaning to my life…yes; I experienced through it some magical, I wouldn’t exaggerate if I even say- conscious altering moments; but for some reason, which I could not explain to myself, my overall experience was seldom accompanied by this feeling of creative joy I would expect it to bring.
And so, after many years, full with many doubts and frustrations, I took a break from music…then, another break and another, and finally came to the recognition that this chapter in my life needed to be left behind and that I needed to look for the next, hopefully more accurate path for me.
It took quite a long period of creative emptiness, before I could vaguely see this new path that I was searching. Then, during one guided imagery session that I went through as part of an Emotion-focused therapy I was undergoing, I could clearly see the essences of that which I was seeking:
There were lots of colors; a prominent feeling of enthusiasm and curiosity that I related to traveling to distant places or a connection to ancient cultures. I could also see that I’m doing something that has to do with a very delicate and masterful craftsmanship; I knew that it had to involve meaningful interactions with people that will come to me; and…yes- Music was there too, prominent, but this time- it was in the background.
At this very point, I could not understand what message I’m receiving exactly, what is this colorful path that involve all those exciting qualities. Goldsmith did not even come to mind.
Surprisingly (or not), it took a few more days before I “accidentally” came across an add with an invitation to a free goldsmith lesson, in a studio located 2 blocks from where I then lived...and there started my new path…
Why "Mudita"
MUDITA, means in Sanskrit “the joy in other people’s success, happiness and wellbeing”.
The sound and meaning of this word, had long captivated and fascinated me, and I always felt it had to be for a reason.
This meaning revealed itself to me, when, during a group session I participated in- In order to get a deeper understanding of my new path as a jewelry designer- we were asked to write down on a paper, intuitively and without overthinking, what we would wish to be written on our grave. My intuitive answer was “She, who helped many people”. Wow, it overwhelmed and confused me…I could not understand what message I was getting there from my subconscious, and especially what did it have to do with jewelry design. It soon, however, became clear to me, and the word “Mudita” immediately came to mind: what fulfils me most, is when I see and recognize that the piece of jewelry I made- a composition of gold, energetic powerful gemstones and…my heart- connects, empowers and makes its new owner simply happier…
The sound and meaning of this word, had long captivated and fascinated me, and I always felt it had to be for a reason.
This meaning revealed itself to me, when, during a group session I participated in- In order to get a deeper understanding of my new path as a jewelry designer- we were asked to write down on a paper, intuitively and without overthinking, what we would wish to be written on our grave. My intuitive answer was “She, who helped many people”. Wow, it overwhelmed and confused me…I could not understand what message I was getting there from my subconscious, and especially what did it have to do with jewelry design. It soon, however, became clear to me, and the word “Mudita” immediately came to mind: what fulfils me most, is when I see and recognize that the piece of jewelry I made- a composition of gold, energetic powerful gemstones and…my heart- connects, empowers and makes its new owner simply happier…
The Creative Process
So, it all comes together when I’m at my goldsmith bench.
Almost always, the creation process starts for me around a unique gemstone I pick from my collection- a collection of hand-picked gemstones from around the world, in which each gemstone “talks” to me, mesmerizes me, arouses some distant emotions within me, carrying some messages that I cannot even put into words…
I look and absorb this energy and try to imagine the person that this stone will draw…then, intuitively, I will choose the music to be played in the studio (could be anywhere on the range between renaissance ancient classical music to English Pop).
I seldom decide in advance nor make a sketch of the piece I’m going to create.
Instead, I try to empty my mind of any pre conceptions or intentions, let myself surrender to the energy of the stone and the power of the music that is playing, and allow it to guide me through the process.
The most inspirational moments for me are when, during this time of creation, I find myself dissolved into a realm in which I have no control. In such moments (which can sometimes last long hours), there is a feeling of a mystical unity with the metal and stones I work with, with the music that plays in the studio; a feeling that it is not I who lead the process, but some other force, bigger, yet very soft and pleasant; a feeling that everything happens now exactly the way it is supposed to be and all there is to do is just flow with it without over thinking.
I then let the metal invite me to touch and process it in the “right” places, gently leading me to reveal what it asks to become.
Almost always, the creation process starts for me around a unique gemstone I pick from my collection- a collection of hand-picked gemstones from around the world, in which each gemstone “talks” to me, mesmerizes me, arouses some distant emotions within me, carrying some messages that I cannot even put into words…
I look and absorb this energy and try to imagine the person that this stone will draw…then, intuitively, I will choose the music to be played in the studio (could be anywhere on the range between renaissance ancient classical music to English Pop).
I seldom decide in advance nor make a sketch of the piece I’m going to create.
Instead, I try to empty my mind of any pre conceptions or intentions, let myself surrender to the energy of the stone and the power of the music that is playing, and allow it to guide me through the process.
The most inspirational moments for me are when, during this time of creation, I find myself dissolved into a realm in which I have no control. In such moments (which can sometimes last long hours), there is a feeling of a mystical unity with the metal and stones I work with, with the music that plays in the studio; a feeling that it is not I who lead the process, but some other force, bigger, yet very soft and pleasant; a feeling that everything happens now exactly the way it is supposed to be and all there is to do is just flow with it without over thinking.
I then let the metal invite me to touch and process it in the “right” places, gently leading me to reveal what it asks to become.
