Today we’d like to introduce you to Dejan Jovanovic.
Hi Dejan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I attended the University of Arts in Belgrade and was the most awarded student for applied sculpture. In 2002, I got the opportunity to come to this country, and my goal was to have a career in America as a sculptor.
With limited space after coming here, I started working mostly on smaller scale metal designs. After scaling down my work, I eventually had a focus on wearable sculptures and jewelry within a couple of years.
Now it has been over 20 years now since I came to the DC area. Early on, I did work for the White House and Smithsonian. Next, I tried corporation work with Tiffany’s, and then teaching. This did not work for me; too many rules applied.
I studied at East Carolina University and earned an MFA in metal design. Then in 2012, I applied for an open call for artists at the Torpedo Factory and was given the chance to have a working artist’s studio. This was a major turning point, and the start of Dejan Studio Jewelry.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My birth country was broken into smaller pieces. A lot of instability, uncertainty, and ruins existed where I am from and in my adolescence. In all of this, I realized how important it was for me to find beauty and connectivity for a sense of stability and renewal.
I do not see struggles, but obstacles that are necessary to find a way around. In life, and in complex commission work, you are required to have a strategy and skills. All the time, you need to be ready to readjust and to be able to pivot.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Dejan Studio Jewelry has become recognized for a focus on commission work and heirloom jewelry. A large percentage of what we do is redesigning old jewelry to bring it new life. We tailor our work to patrons who love collectible and one-of-a-kind pieces. There is also a focus on wedding bands & engagement ring designs for people who do not want theirs to be commercially made.
When working with our clients, they are given direct access with the maker and are able to be involved in the creative process. I really enjoy the process and have proud moments all the time that keep me going. I offer clients the opportunity to bring their own creative vision to life, to customize and create something with a personal touch.
By repurposing family gemstones and jewelry, I aim to create heirloom designs to be passed down through generations. My goal is to bring people from all over to the studio, and to keep them coming back for more. Every day is an opportunity to commemorate another special occasion or anniversary.
My jewelry design process uses traditional techniques combined with modern technology. Tools used for fabrication include a laser for welding and a microscope for setting stones. This allows us the ability to make almost any design without limitation, from the simplest to most complex ideas.
My process is enriched by my training as a sculptor working on a larger scale, and my desire to create three dimensional forms recognized on a more intimate, accessible scale. This in turn creates wearable sculptures. Movement, both spatial and visual, is an intrinsic part of my work and supports the tactile experience. When it isn’t being worn, each of our pieces maintain their integrity by their sculptural significance.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was raised by my sculptor father and graphic designer mother. I was surrounded by art, ancient ruins, historical scenery, and nature. I was trained to see things differently.
Now, my sculptural sensibility is at the heart of my work, and is seen in the fluidity and movement I try to convey in sculpture for the body, which becomes wearable art.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stores.dejanstudiojewelry.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dejanstudiojewelry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djstudio15
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dejan-studio-jewelry-alexandria
