Magdalena Paszkiewicz. Minimalist jewelry which gives you goosebumps.

19 January 2016

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Bird in a cage, Goosebumps and PIERŚcionek. All those names are parts of Magdalena Paszkiewicz’s SłowoFormoTwórstwo (Form-Word-Formation) diploma project carried out in the Academy of Fine Arts in Lodz, Poland under professor Andrzej Boss’s supervision. The designer in a subversive and brilliant way searched the language for double meanings and references to human anatomy. Why do I start with showing you those abstract jewelry projects? So that you see what path in design Magda went. From designing madness to… subtle pendant on a transparent thread.

After the opening of Magda’s exhibition in the 6th District club and gallery in Lodz a bartender is calling her to ask if she took the “auditory trumpet” home because it’s not in the showcase. All the works were exhibited at the bar, so that the bartenders were able to control whether they are in place, but… the earring disappeared. Magda got stressed and shared an appeal on Facebook. That same day she received an anonymous email from a woman who was thrilled and convinced that her beau bought her the dream earring about which she’s gone crazy during the opening. Unfortunately, it turned out that he has snatched it for her from the glass case. The woman apologized and sent the “auditory trumpet” through mail.

I admit it! I’ve been addicted to buying Paszkiewicz’s jewelry for a year now. I’m not able to leave the house without at least one piece from her. I’d rather forget about putting on mascara in a hurry. When I’m sick and my outfit consists of pajamas pants and thick socks I don’t take my favorite earrings off. And I smile when a delicate ring sparkles on the hand that holds a mug of hot tea. Discrete chains, bracelets and rings always go with a thick sweater or favorite hoodie. Because it’s not about exposing an expensive pearl necklace when going in slippers to buy groceries Unless it’s a performance. This is why a jewelry minimalism is so wonderful.

I am visiting Magda in her workshop on Piotrkowska street in Lodz. We are entering the Creative Tenement full of young people who are friends and create awesome things. I look around. I see three work stations. There’s an artistic mess. It is amazing to be in a place where my favorite Paszkiewicz collections: “The smallest rings in the world”, “5 × 5” or “maximum in minimum” were created. You’ll see them in a display case at Magda’s work table.

We’re moving to Lokal restaurant located nearby. We talk over coffee. I look at Magda, she is humble, natural and exceptionally hard-working. She tells about her work, explains that the workshop we visited is a space given by the city and renovated on their own with friends. During her studies Magda earned the necessary knowledge and expertise. It was the time when she could afford to experiment, make mistakes and learn. She didn’t restrict her imagination and so her projects were sometimes crazy. After studies she faced the reality. She was trying to create her own brand, what – as you may imagine – wasn’t easy. To start functioning on the market she had to choose a certain direction. Her projects took a minimalist and mature form. Despite of such change she didn’t lose herself. Her collections are far from boring and mediocre designs offered everywhere.

Remember, Dear Magpies, only good design deserves to be close to our skin. And the one we want to have, gives us goose bumps.