Rosewood Leather Necklace

Martina Bradach is the designer and owner of Martina Bradach Art Design. Croatian born Martina currently lives in Zagreb and creates unique handmade jewellery from wood, minerals, leather and brass. The way she combines the natural materials really stimulates the senses. This can be seen in her stunning statement pieces which evoke the feeling of being part of the natural world. You can just about smell the beautiful aroma of a pine forest in summer.

Martina’s art creations have a lovely natural flow and movement which captivates and accentuates any style of fashion. You can literally see the wood transforming in front of your very eyes. Martina’s jewellery will definitely add a very beautiful, natural and organic feel to your collection and wardrobe. A perfect gift for yourself or a loved one.

Martina was kind enough to do a Q&A with me. She chatted about her work, jewellery and design, and much more.

Tell us about yourself, and your love affair with Jewellery.

I grew up in a small Croatian village, in a nature park, in a valley surrounded by woods, streams, hills, mountains and wild animals. I always felt the strongest connection and my perception was nourished by nature.

Through the course of my life I was living in a city, doing various day jobs, living abroad, traveling etc. However, no matter what I was doing, creativity was always part of my life. Because I always had a need to make something, draw, paint and create…it kept me connected to the nature and myself.

During my travels, I would always walk through nature. As a result I would find some beautiful stones, pieces of wood, shells and minerals. I would then make them into jewellery which would keep the energy and beauty of the natural world close to me.

My inspiration always comes from nature. It’s elements with various shapes, sizes, colours, textures, energies etc. really stimulate my creativity. Since the child in me still sees shapes and beings in clouds, in the grains of wood, in textures of minerals.

The power and beauty of the natural world leaves me in awe and moves me to creation.

How would you describe your designs?

My designs are natural, organic, following the story and history of the wood. It feels like the wood itself is transforming with my help.

Each piece of wood brings its own shape with its grain, colours, cracks and in combining it with leather, minerals and brass creates unique synergy.

Nature has designed the most beautiful part already I just bring it out and make it visible and wearable. Simple lines with power in details.

What is your favourite piece you’ve ever created?

I don’t really have one favourite piece, each has its own beauty. Each piece fascinates me with its uniqueness, due to the story of the wood combining with the leather, minerals and brass. 

What are you currently working on?

I’m working on a new line where I wouldn’t use leather, only wood and brass. Because I find, using wood- leather combination has some kind of powerful statement energy.

Whereas, combining wood with brass wire adds some lightness to it. Of course in my mind, I come up with a concept and how I would like it to look. However, it is only when the hands start to work that the magic happens.

What advice would you give to someone interested in becoming a jewellery designer?

Follow your inspiration and your feeling. Do what you love and makes you happy, don’t try to fit yourself into someone else’s concepts.

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