connecting imagination and reality : an interview with Danielle Keller-Aviram by Alice

Tell us a little about yourself...

My name is Danielle Keller-Aviram and I am a jewelry designer. In 2012, I graduated from the department of jewelry design in Shenkar and I now own my own jewelry label – Danielle Keller.

When did your love for arts and crafts begin?

I grew up in a house full of culture, in which my parents passed their love for the world of art and creation on to me. Throughout my life, I always loved to use my hands to create, but I never thought that this little hobby would one day turn into a true fulfillment as a jewelry designer.

When did you decide to turn your hobby and passion into a career?

In the course of my travels to Africa and East Asia, I discovered wonderful handcrafts from all over the world. In each village and behind every alleyway, I saw local craftsmen (mainly craftswomen) that created magical and powerful pieces of jewelry using minimal resources. Influenced by these experiences, I realised that I wanted to learn to create that same magic – getting maximum beauty out of the minimum amount of material and transforming material into a decorative element that evokes feeling and emotion. That’s how my journey into the world of jewelry design began!

How did you develop your skills and your own design style?

I began my studies in Shenkar which were both fascinating and intense. I learned the depths of the jewelry world, from classic design, digital design and other advanced technologies to working with plastic, textile and other materials. During my studies, I formed my own style, technique and perception, and after school, I decided that it was time to take the next step and to make my dream come true. Today I own my own label!

What inspires your designs?

The pieces I create begin their lives from the inspirations around me – including the trees I see from my window, the seasons, the stars and basically everything that ignites the imagination and the hand.

How do you go about making your ideas and designs a reality?

I create jewelry from precious metals like silver and gold combined with other unique materials. As a designer and creator, I am drawn to the graphic world, and mostly to textile and prints. I attempt to combine two-dimensional abstract to perceptible three dimensions, connecting imagination and reality, often through the use of contour lines and thread work. I also combine textile which I imprint with graphic imagery that I design. The real challenge in this combination is trying to reinforce the connections all the time in order to make them as convincing, reliable and long lasting as possible.

What are your dreams and aspirations as a designer?

In contrast to the endless mass production which surrounds us, from display windows, billboards, labels and companies, I aspire to add personal value and uniqueness to my jewelry. It is very important to me to stay loyal to myself as a designer, and to the meticulous and uncompromising handmade work that creates jewelry that is unique and full of feeling and emotion. I hope to bring joy to many women all over the world.

You can shop Danielle's designs over on Etsy. For more information about Danielle and her label, check out her website!

Alice is a freelance writer and editor of Wonder Magazine. You can find her over on twitter. Find more posts by Alice here...