Who is ŽicArt?
PERSON BEHIND
Ivana Saronja Stojak, “ŽicArt“, from Zagreb, a graduate in clothing
technology, is one of the most recognizable figures on the Zagreb
creative scene. Ivana makes jewelry from the wire that gives a strong
impression on the observer:
• distinctive and striking rings, dominant and massive, yet again
discreet, subtle and in their own way fragile, decorated with
decorative details;
• quirky bracelets, breathable wire sculptures that pair
with a delicate female wrist in a special way;
• brooches, earrings and necklaces, special in design and
workmanship, original and marked by the author’s cheerful
personality.
Particularly part of Ivana’s work are the original “ŽicArtBalls“,
sculptured ball lamps woven with wire, which transform itself into a
subtle drivers of intimate spaces within the home environment and
create a marvelous atmosphere
WHY AND HOW JEWELRY
buying a gift in a small gallery in Korcula, Croatia. I was fascinated by
the metal jewelry of one of the famous Croatian author. Very quickly
the thought came to me: “I would love to do something like that, but
still my own.” Immediately afterwards, I began to play with the wire
in my spare time.
The wire always attracted my attention, primarily with its cool
metallic color, which varies from gloss to mat, but also with the
uniform structure of its coil winding – I simply felt some attraction to
it that I could not resist.
Combining the wire with various decorative details, I started making
jewelry, first for myself, then – as it usually goes – for a friends and
then for gifts, and that’s how it went. Otherwise, I like to wear
jewelry, more massive, more striking, so at the beginning I did the
advertising myself, wearing my own creations.
Soon enough, I became interested in the wider community and began
to experience the recognition of friends and acquaintances, but also
of strangers. I have repeatedly experienced being stopped on the
street on one occasion and asked: “Where did you get this beautiful
ring? “. My self-confidence grew and I realized that there was
something there. That’s when my brand ŽicArt was founded.
I spend most of my free time sometimes full of inspiration and sometimes without any idea. The wire seems to have a personality of its own, so as soon as I start working with it, it often turns out that it leads me in some direction, and I’m there to just control the workflow. It often happens that a piece of jewelry that I envisioned in my head, after finally shaping it, takes on a totally different look from the one I originally had in mind.
I use many types of industrial wires, primarily aluminum (because of its softness), and various decorative elements, such as glass, stone and beads. The time of making an item depends on several factors, and one of the most important is how much peace and space are given to me by other duties and household obligations.
My workspace is our family living room, which has recently started to resemble a real small workshop. There are some wires constantly jumping around on the floor (my husband and kids don’t even rebel against it anymore, they are so used to it), and on the desk there is a real explosion of colors of beads, stones, glasses and – two indispensable tools without which I do nothing – pliers of various shapes and purposes.
Everyday life influences my inspiration by finding motives and inspirations in small things. The more time I spend with the wire, it all comes back to me in some new creations soon.