Interview with Valentina Kalaydjian

This is the story of how an emotion became an illustration and later an amulet. How the delicacy of Valentina Kalaydjian materialized in one of Joidart’s jewels, and how the Mediterranean Sea and the north wind brought them to us.

N.: Could you briefly define yourself?
V.K.: Curious, sensitive and very emotional. I think I’m an impulsive, happy person who is enamoured of Cap de Creus and currently discovering the High Pyrenees.

N.: As a multidisciplinary artist, when did you find your connection with the world of jewellery?
V.K.: I worked at Joidart for a few years as a graphic designer and then as social media manager. During that time I learned a lot about the creative processes in the jewellery world, working alongside Cristina Julià, the company’s creative director. At her side, I gradually participated more and more in the brainstorming sessions, the photo shoots and, in a nutshell, I was integrated into a world in which art and design are transformed into a unique, special piece: an item of jewellery. Summer was approaching and one day Cristina suggested I turn some of my illustrations into a concept for a collection, with earrings, rings, bracelets and pendants. I’d never contributed to the creative process for any of the Joidart jewellery collections and that was my first experience, the link between my illustrations and a collection of real, tangible pieces of jewellery.

N.: Where does the idea for the Portlligat collection come from?
V.K.: The pieces for the Portlligat collection came from the concept of old seals; we drew inspiration from how letters used to be so delicately and beautifully sealed. Those precious details, the experience of melting a bit of wax to stamp some initials onto it. With the illustrations that I always draw, which are very finite and minimalist, we began to create the illustrated concept for the jewellery. I realised that olive trees are very important to me, because Portlligat and the coves of Cap de Creus are always accompanied by these trees that fascinate me so much, with their special greyish green and their strength and commitment against the Tramuntana wind.