When Content Writer Kathleen spotted 3D designer Joana showcasing her work at Glasgow’s famous Granny Would Be Proud fashion market, she knew she had to find out more! There is more than meets the eye to these geometric and rhomboid shapes…
What is in the STRUKT collection and how did you get involved in jewellery making?
Rings, bracelets and necklaces are in my collection. As a child, I made beaded jewellery – the first proper piece of jewellery I ever made was a round ring following a silversmithing course. It felt great to hold something I had made in my hands.
Joana wears one of her 3D printed necklaces.
I read that you are Italo-Brazilian – how did you end up in Glasgow?
I initially moved here with my boyfriend who is from Aberdeenshire. I studied Product Design at Glasgow Caledonian University – before that, I had taken the silversmithing course in Brazil.
Where does your inspiration from?
My mum is an architect and my dad is an engineer. Growing up at home we were always drawing and creating.
My creations are inspired by Neo-futurism. Both aesthetically and in adhering to the belief that the future will be bettered through technology.
Zaha Hadid and Santiago Calatrava are also inspirations of mine.
What is your favourite 3D printer?
At the moment I use SLS (Selective Laser Sintering). Each piece is 3D printed whole, as opposed to some 3D printed jewellery that is printed individually and then fitted together.
What modeling software do you use?
Rhino and Solidworks
Does 3D Printing increase the amount of detail you are able to achieve?
Definitely. You can achieve forms that would be impossible with traditional fabrication methods. You can modify a design easily – this is much more difficult by hand.
What are the benefits of being a 3D jewellery designer?
There is a great community feel where you all support each other and this is contributed to by the open source aspect. I find that individuals who started designing and 3D printing at home express the most interest in creating 3D printed jewellery.
How important is comfort versus aesthetics for you?
The comfort aspect is really important to me. With these pieces, they feel so light people barely realise they are wearing them. But being light doesn’t make them more fragile. I always choose robust materials.
So do you have a favourite material you like to work with?
I work with nylon the most as it is most accessible and resistant. But I love the metals, especially rose gold.
What do you hope the future holds?
I would love for people to know my name and enjoy wearing my designs. It is so rewarding to see someone wearing a piece of jewellery I have designed – a part of me accepted by them.