Stanislav Drokin
2nd Place – “Nest” Ring
You must read Stanislav Drokin’s extraordinary answers to the interview questions. He says it all. You will discover a world many of us don’t know or have never experienced. It is truly a story of Stanislav’s passion for his art and his boundless determination. Just like his piece, the “Nest,” it will leave you spellbound.
Artist Interview:
Q. How did you come up with the title?
I came up with this title when I was working on the ring. Through art I wanted to express my concern about the problems of democracy and social equality, which artists across multiple countries are facing.
Q. What/who was your inspiration?
I am mostly inspired by the harmony and aesthetics, by the world around and the desire to change it for the better. Also, the ancient Indian method of double casting Ganga-Jumna inspired my own creative search and experiments. I am very grateful to my wife and daughter for their constant support. I received visa denials by the US Embassy in Ukraine in 2014 after two, almost simultaneous, victories in the international competitions held in the USA. This gave me additional strength and confidence not to stop at the achieved, but to continue to create and share my work with the outside world.
Q. How long did it take to make the piece?
Approximately 2 months.
Q. What challenges did you overcome while you were making it?
This is my first work with titanium and the first time I was casting gold on titanium. Gold was cast in a casting box with a titanium ring detail, together with its wax part, using the investment casting method. As a result of this experiment, I received a product - ring - out of two different materials, gold and titanium, intertwined with each other without additional soldering and welding. After casting gold into a flask with a titanium part, titanium entered the β (Beta) phase. It became very hard, making gem setting and carving impossible. I had to find a way to return it to the α (Alpha) phase by annealing it in vacuum. The presence of gold made electrochemical coloring of titanium impossible. To solve this problem, I insulated the golden part of the ring with lacquer.
Q. What do you plan to do with the piece?
I plan to demonstrate it for some time as part of the upcoming creative projects, exhibitions, and after that transfer for a fee to a museum or a private collection of a contemporary jewelry connoisseur.
Q. Will this piece inspire other work?
Yes, of course. I do not stop there, I continue to experiment with titanium, and the author's techniques of double, hybrid and titanium casting on titanium.
Saul Bell Design Award
Q. What did you feel when you learned you’d won?
I actually felt both joy and worry. On the one hand, it was the joy and honor of being the winner of such a prestigious competition, as well as the opportunity to share my work with the world. On the other hand, it was the worry associated with obtaining a visa to attend the award ceremony.
Q. Whom did you tell first about winning?
My wife Liudmyla and daughter Alina.
Educational and Professional Background
Q. Of all the arts and crafts why did you choose jewelry?
In 1983, at the age of 15, I became a student of an engraver at a radio electronics factory and at the same time began to study at an evening school. Engraving influenced my choice to create jewelry.
Q. What was the first piece of jewelry you ever made?
An engraved, openwork brass ring with a monogram. I still have it.
Q. What was your training/academic background in jewelry-making?
I do not have a special education in jewelry. Here are some excerpts from my biography on the education I received:
2009 – 2011: Master’s degree. Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts, Ukraine;
2001 – 2006: Bachelor’s degree. Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts, Ukraine;
2004 – Qualified expert in Appraisal of Cultural Artifacts. State Gemmological Centre of Ukraine, Kyiv;
2004 – Appraisal of Cultural Artifacts Programme. State Gemmological Centre of Ukraine, Kyiv;
2004 – Qualified expert-gemmologist. State Gemmological Centre of Ukraine, Kyiv;
1999 – Diamond Programme. German Gemmological Association – Deutsche Gemmologische Gesellschaft eV (DGemG), Idar-Oberstein;
1999 – Diamond Programme. State Gemmological Centre of Ukraine, Kyiv;
1998 – Pearls/Organic Substances Programme. Poland Gemmological Centre (GemUR), Wroclaw;
1998 – Coloured Stones Programme. State Gemmological Centre of Ukraine, Kyiv.
Q. What was the biggest challenge you have faced in your business?
At the beginning of my creative work it was forbidden to work with precious metals, since it was a state monopoly. Later, in the early 90s, the ban was lifted. Now, I still face certain problems associated with the promotion of my work outside of Ukraine, starting with paperwork for temporary export, insurances, etc. These problems mainly arise due to the imperfect legislation and corruption.
Q. What is the best advice you received?
I received the best advice while I was studying in Germany in 1999 from André Enskat, who would later become my friend and mentor. After I showed him photographs of my jewelry in the classical style, he told me that I have got to find my own creative way and not focus on imitating the styles of the past. This radically influenced my further worldview and creative work.
Q. What other awards, honors have you received in your career?
Apart from numerous awards in Ukraine, I received several international awards such as:
2018 – Winner of the Artistar Jewels Contest 2018 (Milan, Italy);
2014 – Winner of the Solidscape 2014 Baselworld Design Competition, Gold Award (Basel, Switzerland);
2014 – Winner of the Centurion Emerging Designer Awards Competition (Scottsdale, USA);
2013 – 2014 – Winner of the International Pearl Design Contest, Luster Award (Providence, USA);
2012 – Ring “Australian Night”, winner of the contest “Russian Line – 2012”, category “High jewellery art” (Moscow, Russia).
Q. What is your definition of “success”?
Success is when you do what you love as well as go along your creative and life path at the same time. Success is impossible without perseverance, hard work, persistence and aspiration, support of relatives, friends and colleagues. Success forms a constant interest in research, an obsession with new ideas, a desire to pass on your knowledge and experience.
Creative Influences and Environment
Q. What or who do you think has been the strongest influence or inspiration on your work?
My family – my wife Liudmyla and daughter Alina, my first teacher - engraver Victor Vergazov, friends and mentors - Vladimir Indutny and André Enskat.
Q. What artist dead or alive do you most admire? Why?
René Lalique, Gilbert Albert, JAR. They were able to change the shape, materials and perception of jewelry.
Q. Do you follow long term trends? If so, why or why not? What trend/s?
Yes, I try to keep myself updated on the recent trends and new directions. I am interested to know what will inspire people tomorrow. Until recently, I had a limited understanding of contemporary jewelry, and now I have begun to understand it better and treat it philosophically. Contemporary art opens up new horizons for functions, technologies and innovative materials, as well as ways of expression. Thanks to these new horizons, contemporary jewelry went beyond decoration, and became a tool - a “canvas” for the transfer of social, environmental and other acute problems of mankind. New Trend: Author. Individuality. One of a kind piece.
Q. Is the product or the process more important to you? Why?
Both. Using the example of the process, I want to show that a person’s creative activity in rare jewelry techniques and methods, as well as outstanding examples of jewelry art, still sometimes cannot be replicated by modern technologies. And the product itself is the result of my creative work - a material object, that helps me to convey my emotions and feelings, as well as to receive feedback.
Q. What is your favorite tool?
Graver, hot needle.
Q. What metals, gemstones, processes do you enjoy most?
Metals: titanium, due to its unique properties, lightness, hardness, unusual colors and unusual processing methods.
Gemstones: opals, they are a unique, vivid gift of nature, reflecting the endless universe.
The processes associated with experiments, complex techniques and methods of decorative processing of metals. For example, hybrid or double casting, casting on titanium, and sequential casting. In addition, I am fascinated by all kinds of modern decorative coatings, patina, and enamel.
Q. Describe your studio.
Detached building with a laboratory and gallery. The laboratory has all necessary equipment, including modern technologies, for a full production cycle. Here I can realize almost any of my creative ideas. Gallery has everything necessary to organize a small exhibition, get feedback from colleagues, friends and connoisseurs of my creative work.
Interview by Marlene Richey