Elena Kougianou

Utopia Athens

Jewellery maker

©Konstantinos Flamiatos

Distinctive features of Greece

Elena started her career in fashion
She drew much of her inspiration from Art Deco
She defines her work as a mix of creativity, design and craftsmanship

Elena Kougianou has found jewellery making to be "the perfect art form to express her world." As an art lover and enthusiastic traveller, her jewellery pieces reflect many influences, from various artistic movements to Greek heritage. Elena learnt her craft in her native Athens, specialising in the lost wax technique. She has drawn heavily on the country's rich jewellery history to enhance her knowledge. Just as she interweaves her inspirations, the making of her pieces combines age-old traditional techniques, like the filigree, with modern ones, like 3D printing. Her creations are characterised by graceful, feminine shapes, gold-plated metallic lace and the application of coloured gemstones.

Interview

©Konstantinos Flamiatos

©Konstantinos Flamiatos

What first inspired you to choose jewellery making?: I was involved in various forms of art from an early age. My mum used to take me to all museums, art galleries, installations and contemporary spaces in Athens and abroad. So, I was 'exposed' to a lot of art influence since childhood.
When did you actually start making your own jewellery pieces?: While I was studying the craft, I received some orders for pieces that I designed during the course. Things worked organically. After finishing my course, I made my first orders, which led me to putting these designs together in a collection.
How do you relate your craft to the territory?: There is a strong link with Greece. The country has a long history in jewellery making, taking influence from the Mediterranean. In my work I try to preserve the traditional influence while producing contemporary pieces.
Where do you find your main source of inspiration?: I love travelling and gathering different kinds of stimuli. As Diana Vreeland, former Vogue journalist stated: “the eye has to travel.” It is important to keep your mind open to new techniques, images and influences, so as to not repeat past history. However, as my mother used to say, “in order to produce something new, you first have to understand and study the old.”

Elena Kougianou is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2011