The Secret Garden: Intricate Kinetic Jewellery - an Interview with Victoria Walker

Intricate kinetic jewellery by Victoria Walker Jewellery
Intricate kinetic jewellery by Victoria Walker Jewellery

 

Here is the next one of inspiring interviews with creatives who share about their journey and what it takes to make things happen.

 

Victoria Walker describes herself a “jeweller specializing in kinetic jewellery”, but she’s much more than that. She’s a wizard, a master of detail, a seeker of beauty diligently paying her tribute to the outstanding craftsmanship of Nature. Her signature botanical lockets are not merely an item of beauty designed to adorn – they are intricate and mesmerizing, hiding a special meaning inside. Memories and hidden meanings are what bring true value to all sentimental treasures and Victoria captures it all in her delicate designs.

 

I learned about Victoria absolutely “accidentally” after seeing a beautiful video where she is guiding us behind the scenes of her stunning handcrafted works.

 

Despite her schedule as a full time jeweller with the holiday season approaching, she kindly agreed for an interview for Just How Cool Is That?! and all you, lovely readers. Now relax, take your cup of tea, and join us on this conversation with the lovely Victoria Walker!

 

 


Interview questions:

 

  1. Hello, Victoria! Thank you so much for agreeing to take part in Just How Cool Is That?!, the website for creatives to learn and share about their Journey and what it takes to make things happen!

    How did you come up with the idea of focusing on kinetic jewellery? How long ago was that; and what was the first moving piece you created?

    Victoria:  I was intrigued by the contrast between flowers and their strong protective pods. I wanted to see if I could combine both elements in a single piece of jewellery and Lotus Locket was the first one I made whilst studying my degree in jewellery making in 2008.
     
  2. Before diving into jewellery design, you were specializing in fine art and illustration. How does that help you in your current work?

    Victoria: I think all forms of art and design can inform one another. I still love to draw and it helps me understand the forms better, as well as helping me communicate with customers.
     
  3. How much time does it normally take to create a new design (for a new flower), and how much is it for next copies of the same design?

    Victoria: It's always difficult to find the time to work on new designs. A new kinetic piece will usually take me a couple of months or so to develop alongside fulfilling orders. I can usually then make one in a few days.
     
  4. The lockets are carefully engineered, mimicking the structure of a real flower. What is the hardest part of the design process?

    Victoria: Scale is usually my biggest challenge. The bigger the moving parts, generally the easier they are to make. But I always prefer things to be as small as I can make them.
     
  5. Many creatives worry their art is not “good enough”, or they suffer from perfectionism. How do you know what you do IS good enough?

    Victoria: Perfectionism is a bit of a curse, because you just end up finding fault in everything. I guess in time you learn that nothing in life is ever 'perfect', and that can be quite liberating.

    I still find imperfections in my work, it's only natural, but rather than seeking perfection, I seek to achieve a high level of skill and attention to detail, and nothing leaves the studio unless I'm happy with it.

     

     
  6. Have you faced jealousy or unfair competition regarding your works? How do you deal with that?

    Victoria: Jealousy is a compliment in disguise. Take that from it and move on.

     

     

  7. What’s been the most challenging part of your journey so far?

    Victoria: There are definitely elements of running my own business that I'm not as good at; maths for example is not my strong point. But problem solving is all part of it, and there's always a solution, you just have to find what works best for you.
     
  8. A number of creatives fear to charge accordingly for their art, thus turning the myth of the starving artist into a self-fulfilling prophecy. Have you struggled with the same issue in the past?

    Victoria: Not really. I learned very early on that under-pricing my work would devalue it and that I'd also never earn any money. I don’t want to be rich, but I do want to earn a living from my craft. Under-charging can also have implications for other makers in your field, so you need to consider how it reflects on them too.

     

     
  9. Do you ever seek the help of other professionals when it comes to marketing, or you figure it all by yourself? Who are your ideal clients and how do they find you?

    Victoria: I've never had any official help with marketing. I've done quite a lot of design fairs and these have always served as an effective way to 'spread the word' about my jewellery. I use social media more these days, but not with any particular strategy.

    My ideal clients are people who love the secret element of my work and see the value in investing in handmade objects. They usually find me at shows and when my work has been shared on social media.
     
  10. Which part of your work do you like the most and which part do you dislike the most? What is it you can’t live without; and what would you rather change in your business?

    Victoria: I love designing and making jewellery, and in an ideal world that’s all I'd do! But running a business involves a lot of admin, planning and paperwork, which isn't as fun, but it has to be done.

    I can't live without music and podcasts, they keep me going when energy is running low! My studio is quite small and dark so I'd love a bigger studio with more natural light.
     
  11.  What is your final message to anyone reading this?

    Victoria: Push yourself to create something that no one else is making. If your work doesn’t challenge you, you'll probably get bored of it and ultimately customers won't want to buy it either. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions! Keep on bringing more meaningful beauty to the world!


 

More cool articles:


Victoria Walker Today

Victoria Walker - jeweller (wizard in disguse)
Victoria Walker - jeweller (wizard in disguse)

My recent designs are Peony Locket and Heather Locket.

 

I aim to design at least one kinetic piece per year and usually launch this in spring time.

 

I haven't decided what my next kinetic piece will be yet.

 

I am also hoping to focus on more rings to go with each of my flowers, and perhaps a couple of designs for men.

 

You can order my pieces online my official website for a worldwide delivery, or stop by some of the local events in which I am taking part.

 

People can find me on Facebook and Instagram , or e-mail on info@vwjewellery.co.uk.

 


Have your say!

  • How do you handle perfectionism?
  • What is the greatest challenge in your creative business?
  • Have you underpriced your art and if yes - for what reasons?

Please share your thoughts in the comments below and remember to tell your friends on social media!

 

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