This week I tracked down the winner of the Rio Grande competition.  The lucky designer, from Sabushka Design in Australia scooped one of two top prize of $5,000!  I wonder how he will spend it?

Where do you find inspiration?

Inspiration for me comes from the Stones I work with. I am, what I imagine, one would call an instinctive jeweller. I play around with the stones, until I find a colour/ pattern combination that works for me. From there I start to look at actual construction and look, as well as feel. If I am working with a Customer, I need to meet them and get a feel for their likes/dislikes, occupation etc. and I will start to design from there. I do have customers who come in with a picture or their own design and if I feel that it doesn't suit them I will redesign. If they are not happy with that, I will always recommend a Jeweller who will make exactly what they want. I always sketch in rough and if I get a "clean sketch", then I know that design will "work" for that specific customer, if it comes out all rough, then it's back to the drawing board.

What is your favorite design, and is this your best seller?

I don't have a favourite design, as such, as all my work is "One Off" custom designed pieces. Thus no Best Sellers, but all are favourite designs.

How did you first get into jewellery art?

By accident...I had a bad motor cycle accident in 1980, (where I lost my leg) which put paid to my idea of becoming an Architect or Engineer (My Dad had a Construction Company and I couldn't, at that stage,anyway, get around a construction site). One New Years Eve, sitting around with friends and a lot of alcohol  :-) The conversation turned around to what I was going to do for the rest of my life. Someone suggested becoming a Manufacturing Jeweller ( I had never heard of one) as I loved working with my hands. The next week I applied for an Apprenticeship, was accepted and off I went and here I am 30 years later.

What keeps you motivated?

The challenge of designing something special / unusual / different. The precision required and most importantly the look in a Customers eye / facial expression that says it all. I like pleasing people!

Do you have any themes that you find recurring in your work?

I have been called a "Contemporary Classic"  Jeweller. I like combining new styles with old styles and techniques, so maybe that would be "it"  .

How important are awards and critical acclaim to you?

Not very.

Can you name another jewelry designer whose work you admire?

I like looking at all designers, but no, no one specific springs to mind. I do tend to prefer designers who make practical / functional /  beautiful / creative  wearable     jewellery.

Do you find the process of experimentation frustrating or inspiring?

Inspiring.

Do you prefer doing retail or trade events?

I don't really mind as long as I have some creative freedom.

If you could have any jewelry super-power to help you with your jewelry what would it be?

Extra pair of arms would be good or 20/20 vision. :-)

Find out more about Sabushka Design at Sabushka Design
Jewellery Just for You
www.sabushkadesign.com
law@sabushkadesign.com