Christine Rio, Slate Jewelry
Canada
Self-taught jewellery artist Christine Rio forges her own path with techniques and design to create memorable jewellery. Her passion for metalworking led her to take a sheet of metal and manipulate it into something no one has seen before. Her pieces are known for intricate details, whimsy and contrasts. Slate Jewellery is feminine, dramatic and timeless.
-What is the name of your brand and what's the meaning behind it?
I’ve named my brand Slate Jewelry because a lot of the pieces start from a piece of sheet metal, therefore a “blank slate.” Sometimes I know what will be crafted from it, but othertimes, I just let the metal dictate what it wants to become.
-Where do you take inspiration from when you start creating a new collection?
My inspiration is generally based on shapes and movement. I like the metal to be as fluid and organic as possible.
-What kind of work or material or technique do you prefer to use?
I work a lot in brass. I think it has a beautiful colour, and really takes on such a variety of finishes with different patina techniques. I also work in silver, and tend to distress the metal as much as possible. I am always looking for ways to add details to my work so that there is always something new to see when it is worn.
-Three words with which you would describe the Artistar Jewels project.
I think the project is important – it is vital to show the world that art matters, and can be found in any medium. It is supportive – the team nutures the participants, and encourages all that their work matters- from internationally known jewellers to suburban moms from half a world away who are trying their best to get out there (such as myself ??) And it is celebratory – it celebrates the importance and history of personal adornment and shows that it still has a place in this modern world.
-Have you been fascinated by any particular creation you saw in the Artistar jewels 2019 edition? “Frick” by Francesco Barbato is so beautiful. It makes me happy just looking at it.
-What were the opportunities that most pushed you to participate in the event?
Honestly, it was the fact that the team reached out to me to encourage me to apply. I had known about Artistar, but didn’t feel that I was ready. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to go ahead.
-What do you think about the upcoming Milano Jewelry Week? Do you think Milano needed it?
The world always need to see more beautiful jewelry.
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