”I’m an artistic designer with 350 fashion shows, and all that I have to show for myself is experience, that is, what I’ve seen, heard and felt on my own… In 2005 I was invited for the first time to the Couture Fashion Week in New York while many, who have now been there, at that time could only dream about receiving such an invite. In 2007 I was invited for the second time but I had to decline because I was working on my ”Royal Collection” which I was able to finis after long and difficult 2.5 years. In 2009 I was invited for the third time to the previously mentioned prestigious part of the New York Fashion Week – so I’m not somebody who’s unfamiliar with what’s going on, who doesn’t know the latest trends – I’m here to stay…”
This is what our guest, an artist & designer with an artistic name – ViletinA – says on his website. In his interview with Terracon News, ViletinA revealed what sparked his artistic imagination, what his future plans and creative ideas are, and gave us an insight into the lives of artists who create fashion jewellery and high fashion gown collections.
ViletinA: ”The journalists were the ones who started this whole thing of choosing the right name for me more than ten years ago; I began with designs which weren’t a part of high fashion, they were pure art, and so artistic creations led to an artistic designer. This slowly started to evolve over time into design and creativity which is why today I’m known as an artist and a designer because I also design jewellery.”
Interviewer: ”You’re using this interesting artistic name…”
ViletinA: ”Not only am I using it, I also managed to preserve it, so to say, by changing my name. Six years ago, all my documents were changed, and everything, and now I’m officially ViletinA.”
Interviewer: ”And your former name was?”
ViletinA: ”I’d rather not say. That’s in the past.”
Interviewer: ”So after you changed your name, your life as an artist and a designer began, so to say. Is there anything special you would like our readers/viewers to know?”
ViletinA: ”The most important thing regarding my artistic name is that it’s fictional and also unique, just like my work. The work I do isn’t easy, I always try to give my best…When others ask me how I’m able to do it… I don’t have a family or a job, I dedicated all my time to art, and I work every day. I’m able to start working on one thing, then stop and start doing ten other things at the same time when I feel inspired. I do have time and I love things that are not easy to make.”
Interviewer: ”Who did you have in mind when you were creating your designs? Who’s your audience?”
ViletinA: ”When it comes to jewellery, and since I’m a designer, a lot of people think that implies you should make jewellery that’s trendy but that means you’re just copying somebody else. I come up with my own designs. So young girls rarely buy my pieces. However, women, age 25 up to 80+ buy my jewellery. They want to own something unique, and in 10 years’ time, it will still be an original design, it will still be fashionable.
If it just so happens that the jewellery I used before wears out, I’m more than willing to redesign it which helps me build friendly relationships with my clients.”
Interviewer: ”From what I’ve heard, you also have a lot of interesting high fashion designs where you let you imagination run wild with different materials.”
ViletinA: ”I’d just like to add – those are artistic designs. When I started off, I used paper in my designs. As I was growing, so was my understanding of different techniques which in turn inspired me in all sorts of ways. My first creation came to life after the completion of a wall tapestry and patchwork exhibition. I made a dress and put it on display together with the artwork by the children from Juraj Bonači Centre, and that hit close to home. I wanted to see how many institutions were there who played by a different set of rules. And so, in 2003, through exhibitions with children with special needs, where I worked together with the Ministry of Social Welfare, the City of Split backed me up, the Tourist Board, the Croatian Association of Defectologists as the leading institution… Every new exhibition meant a new creation. And slowly but surely, they reached fashion shows after 2003. And that got me intrigued. I thought it was fun so I brought it all together. What’s most important, no matter how much time I spend working on one thing, I find it entertaining.”
Interviewer: ”I wanted to ask you – how do these difficult, depressing times reflect on your artistic pieces? Can you find enjoyment in your work?”
ViletinA: ”The situation is depressing only in Split. Split has no big fashion shows, maybe one, two a year. Zagreb is the place to be. I spent 3 days in Zagreb showcasing my jewellery, and people were all over me asking why I don’t advertise these as designer’s pieces. There’s a difference in people’s reactions in Split and Zagreb when it comes to my jewellery. Unfortunately, the media in Split aren’t that interested in individuals and their work, I could name names… It’s just impossible to find somebody from the media who would keep track of every single collection you make. As far as I know, I’m the only designer in Split who has showcased jewellery last year and this year too. It’s one thing to have a fashion show where some pieces are left unfinished whereas when you’re showcasing jewellery, everything is on display. One of my exhibitions was held at the Marko Marulić Public Library where I was told that was the best jewellery exhibition so far, by the people who work there as well as visitors. You’re like a fish out of water while you trying to find your way in Split…
As I’ve said before, I have clients, women and men buying gifts for women, and I maintain relationships with them at a certain level.”
Interviewer: ”Any plans? You probably have some ideas you want to see through.”
ViletinA: ”At the time being, I’m finally getting ready to go to Zagreb where I plan to stay, and get together with designers who started off at the same time I did; the difference being that my designs were more interesting back then than theirs…Today, they are well-known, they made a career in fashion, have stores, even abroad. So my goal is to do some networking and quality work, and maintain the same level in my work despite the trends. After observing the social media, I think people appreciate my own signature style which they recognise by now. As for my goals, all of us want to have their own space. I, too, hope to own an exhibition and commercial venue because I have numerous works of art made of sponge, paper which I’m not interested in selling… This way people would be able to come and see the designs. So that’s what I’m aiming for. And it can be done.”
Interviewer: ”And you think you’ll be able to reach your goal in Zagreb sooner than in Split?”
ViletinA: ”I think so, yes. However, in Zagreb you have to be a part of, what is known as the yellow press, in order to get your name out there. I, who have worked with children with special needs, can’t picture my name being linked to scandals. When I tried to take the next step once before, when Split didn’t accept me, that is, some artists and designers…they prevented me to get my name out into the press… The thing is, you have to find a way to spark interest with the yellow press and keep your reputation clean at the same time.”
”ROYAL COLLECTION”
”This collection was long in the making, took one step at a time in my mind, and was inspired by the beauty of material modifications which doesn’t stop to amaze me every single day. Creating different incredible shapes motivated me to come up with this collection. You see, none of my designs has a sketch to go with it, so the creations are left to themselves. I didn’t want the material to undergo harsh processing with the end result I would most likely prefer. I let the materials take over, and let the elasticity of straw, sponge and paper lead the way to the end product – the collection. This Collection consists of 10 designs – hats, upper body pieces and skirts thereby letting the hats to take the spotlight in becoming a separate work of art. The Royal Collection has justified its very name.”
STATEMENT JEWELLERY
When designing jewellery becomes art, every shape takes on a new meaning. ViletinA is an artist who never fails to surprise us with a new collection…
You’re about to see a personal collection titled ”STONE FLOWER” created entirely under the microscope because of the material size. Alpacca (Mexico silver) wire is the base which is then intertwined with other pieces, one by one, making a stone flower. It is an original design.
THIS IS STATEMENT-MAKING JEWELLERY!
ViletinA
Artist & Designer
mob: 099/ 518.23.89.
www.viletina.info