Embrace art as a means of expression, channeling both positive and negative emotions into your work. Art is a powerful medium for expression, allowing artists to channel both positive and negative emotions into their work. Looking back on my journey, I wish I had fully embraced this concept from the beginning. One transformative experience that reinforced this lesson was when I went through a period of personal turmoil and uncertainty. Instead of allowing these emotions to consume me, I channeled them into my art, using creativity as a form of catharsis and self-expression. This process not only helped me navigate difficult times but also resulted in some of my most authentic and compelling work.
As a part of our series about “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became An Artist” I had the pleasure of interviewing Maria Glezelli.
Greek born jewellery designer and silversmith Maria Glezelli always wanted to pursue a career in fine arts. Her creative journey led her to the University of Fine Arts in Ioannina, Greece where she acquired a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and Art Sciences. At university, she experimented with different materials and techniques and explored the intersection between art and fashion. Fuelled by her love for ancestral craftsmanship and inspired by the panorama of Athenian history, Maria continued her studies in jewellery design and metalsmithing. After honing her skills in London and Tuscany and deepening her knowledge of manufacturing, gemmology, and design, she finally decided to focus entirely on her own unique brand. Today, Maria creates all of her jewellery with precision, artistry and distinctive craftsmanship entirely by hand from her workshop in Florence, Italy.
The Maria Glezelli brand is born out of Maria’s desire to design and make contemporary, intricate pieces of jewellery that combine wearability with visual beauty. Committed to preserving tradition, each piece is crafted entirely by hand out of sterling silver wire, without the use of any machinery, using a traditional Greek knitting technique passed down in her family through the generations. All of her work is plated with Platinum, Gold or Rhodium. Maria’s approach to art through jewellery design pays homage to both ancient and modern narratives and classical Greek history. It is additionally fuelled by the diverse experiences she encounters in daily life.
Maria Glezelli | Designer Fine Jewellery | Elegantly made by hand
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
Growing up in Athens, Greece, I discovered my passion for art at the age of 5. Guided by my grandmother, who introduced me to the art of knitting, I spent countless hours exploring various crafts, drawing, and creating everything from decorations to gifts. Frequent visits to theatres, museums, and art spaces further nurtured my creative spirit, shaping the foundation of my artistic endeavors.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
As a jewelry designer, my journey began with a deep-rooted passion for art and craftsmanship. Inspired by the ancient greek knitting technique that I learnt from my grandmother, I embarked on this path with the desire to blend tradition with innovation. This unique approach not only honors my heritage but also fuels my creativity in crafting timeless pieces of jewelry.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
One of the most memorable moments in my career was being chosen for an art show in Los Angeles. This transformative experience not only connected me with fellow artists but also inspired me to relocate to London, where I founded my own jewelry brand. It was a pivotal moment that shaped my artistic journey and opened doors to new opportunities.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
At present, I’m deeply immersed in exploring innovative techniques that push the boundaries of jewelry design. I’m passionate about infusing intricate designs with precious stones, a process that adds a new dimension of elegance and sophistication to my creations. Moreover, I’m excited about developing wearable limited edition body accessories that not only elevate the style and personality of women but also serve as unique statements of individuality.
Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?
Throughout my journey, I’ve had the honor of meeting amazing individuals who have left a lasting impact on my artistic vision and entrepreneurial spirit. From fellow artists to industry experts, each interaction has provided valuable insights and unique perspectives on art and design. One memorable encounter was with a jewelry artisan who shared his expertise in traditional crafting techniques, inspiring me to delve deeper into the artistry of handmade jewelry. Another notable interaction was with a fashion curator whose profound understanding of historical fashion trends sparked new ideas for incorporating classical elements into my designs. These experiences have enriched my creative journey and reinforced my commitment to pushing the boundaries of my artistic expression.
Where do you draw inspiration from? Can you share a story about that?
My inspiration is deeply rooted in both ancient and modern narratives, drawing upon the rich tapestry of Greek and Roman civilizations. Growing up in Athens, Greece, I was surrounded by the remnants of ancient history, from majestic ruins to timeless artifacts. These historical influences imbue my designs with a sense of timeless elegance and cultural significance. Additionally, I draw inspiration from the diverse experiences encountered in daily life, whether it’s exploring the vibrant streets of Florence or immersing myself in the bustling energy of modern city life. Each piece of jewelry I create tells a story, weaving together elements of the past and present to create something truly unique and meaningful.
How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?
My journey as a jewelry designer and entrepreneur has been driven by a deep commitment to creating positive impact beyond the realm of fashion. Through my brand, I strive to promote sustainability, ethical craftsmanship, and cultural preservation. One way I contribute to the greater good is by operating a zero-waste business model, minimizing environmental impact and promoting responsible consumption. Additionally, I prioritize ethical sourcing of materials, ensuring that each piece of jewelry is crafted with integrity and respect for both people and the planet.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
- Embrace the challenges of being an artist as part of the incredible journey it offers. Starting out as an artist, I wish someone had emphasized the importance of embracing challenges as integral to the artistic journey. Every setback, rejection, or obstacle is not a roadblock but rather an opportunity for growth and learning. One memorable experience that taught me this lesson was when I faced numerous rejections early in my career. Instead of letting discouragement take over, I used these setbacks as motivation to push myself further and refine my craft. Overcoming these challenges not only strengthened my resilience but also shaped me into the artist I am today.
- Take time for introspection to continually refine and develop your work. Reflecting on my journey, I’ve realized the value of taking time for introspection in order to grow and evolve as an artist. Early in my career, I wish I had known the importance of periodically stepping back to evaluate my progress and artistic direction. One particular instance that highlighted this was when I found myself feeling stuck creatively. Instead of pushing forward blindly, I took a step back to reassess my goals and artistic vision. This period of introspection allowed me to gain clarity and perspective, leading to a renewed sense of purpose and direction in my work.
- Expand your artistic horizons by immersing yourself in diverse experiences and communities. Diversity in experiences and communities is essential for artistic growth and innovation. Looking back, I now recognize the importance of interacting with a lot of artists as well as travelling to different countries early on in my career. One impactful experience that underscored this was when I had the opportunity to travel for the first time in Italy and explore its history and culture. This experience broadened my artistic horizons, allowing me to incorporate diverse influences into my work and push the boundaries of my creativity.
- Equip yourself with knowledge beyond art to succeed as an entrepreneur in the industry. As an artist navigating the industry, I’ve come to realize the importance of equipping oneself with knowledge beyond art to succeed as an entrepreneur. While artistic talent is crucial, understanding the business side of the industry is equally essential for long-term success. One valuable lesson I learned along the way was the importance of acquiring business skills and knowledge to effectively manage and promote my brand. By investing time and effort in learning about marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship, I was able to build a solid foundation for my business and navigate the challenges of the industry more effectively.
- Embrace art as a means of expression, channeling both positive and negative emotions into your work. Art is a powerful medium for expression, allowing artists to channel both positive and negative emotions into their work. Looking back on my journey, I wish I had fully embraced this concept from the beginning. One transformative experience that reinforced this lesson was when I went through a period of personal turmoil and uncertainty. Instead of allowing these emotions to consume me, I channeled them into my art, using creativity as a form of catharsis and self-expression. This process not only helped me navigate difficult times but also resulted in some of my most authentic and compelling work.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
If I could inspire a movement to bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, it would revolve around promoting sustainable practices and environmental consciousness. As a jewelry designer committed to zero waste and ethical production, I believe that raising awareness about sustainability is crucial for the well-being of our planet and future generations. By advocating for sustainable lifestyles, responsible consumption, and environmental conservation, we can collectively work towards a healthier and more sustainable world. This movement would not only benefit the environment but also foster a sense of collective responsibility and empowerment among individuals, driving positive change on a global scale.
We have been blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she just might see this.
Sara Blakely, the visionary founder of Spanx, epitomizes the essence of entrepreneurial courage and resilience. Her remarkable journey, fueled by a mere $5,000 investment to kickstart her business, is a testament to the power of unwavering determination. Blakely’s relentless pursuit of success, including her persistent efforts to collaborate with prestigious retailers like Neiman Marcus, serves as an incredible inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs like myself.
A private breakfast or lunch with her would be an extraordinary opportunity for me to get invaluable insights and wisdom from a trailblazer in the fashion industry. Her innovative approach to business and unwavering commitment to empowering women resonate deeply with me, making her a true icon of inspiration.
What is the best way our readers can follow you on social media?
www.instagram.com/maria.glezelli
https://facebook.com/mariaglezellijewellery
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!
Maria Glezelli: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became An Artist was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.