Introduction written by Terri Ekvall:
Maria is a fine jewellery artist from Regina, Saskatchewan. Working primarily with sterling silver and vitreous enamel, Maria creates unique pieces that are is individual as the women who wear them. The sterling silver pieces are inspired by the world around her. Architectural influences can be seen in the elegant designs featuring flowing lines that would make any women feel special. The joy one experiences when wearing one of Maria’s works can only be matched with one of her enameled whimsical pieces the featuring playful cats and colourful little houses.
Interview with Maria Hendrika
Maria Hendrika Art Jewellery
Instagram: @mshendrika
I design and create elegant and timeless wearable art that is as distinctive as the person who wears it. My small jewellery collections and one of kind pieces appeal to those who want to make a stylish statement and express their individuality.
What first drew you to your medium?
Several years ago, I won a seed beading kit at a fundraising event. I started making earrings and other jewellery items. It wasn’t long before I realized I needed additional skills to create the pieces I envisioned. This led me to enroll in my first silversmithing class.
What is the inspiration behind your work?
So many things! The natural world provides endless inspiration for my work. I am an avid sky watcher and am mesmerized by water. Rocks, I believe, harbor vast untold stories. I love older architecture and interesting modern design. Concepts of balance, proportion, contrast, rhythm and scale are directly relevant to creating jewellery. My camera is with me whenever I am outdoors. I take many photographs that provide inspiration for future projects. Sometimes my inspiration is just imagination fed by mythology and folklore.
What do you hope people will gain from interacting with your work?
I hope that some of the joy I experienced in producing the piece in turn brings joy to others. I hope that people wearing my jewellery will feel attractive and confident. I hope that they feel unique knowing that no one will be wearing the same jewellery that they are wearing. Perhaps it also makes them feel loved and cherished because the piece was a gift from a loved one or it reminds them of something or someone special.
What are you currently working on?
Preparing for Bazaart sale. Currently I am working on a small collection of feminine themed earrings and pendants featuring dancing images, nymphs and goddesses. They are created with vitreous enamel and sterling and fine silver utilizing traditional cloisonne technique. I find the process of carefully painting grains of glass between firings to be quite mesmerizing. The completed pieces often resemble miniature portraits or landscapes.