Flóra Anna Vági

Jewellery maker

©Milán Ráczmolnár

Liberation through contemporary jewellery

Flóra handcrafts jewellery with paper and wood
She senses a strong connection to Hungarian folklore
Simplicity guides her designs

In 1998, Flóra Anna Vági received her goldsmith and jeweller diploma, but it wasn't until 2002 when she began her studies at Alchimia in Florence, that she truly entered the mysterious world of contemporary jewellery making. Flóra considers her first real contemporary jewellery piece to be a spiral bracelet that she made in her second year at Alchimia School of Contemporary Jewellery under the guidance of Manuel Vilhena. After graduating, in 2005 she stayed living in Florence and worked with international galleries. Today, Flóra works full time as Head of the Jewellery Design and Metalwork master's programme at Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design in Budapest. Through her craft, she plays with a great variety of materials to express emotions, impressions, moods or concerns that cannot be spoken.

Interview

©Milán Ráczmolnár

©Milán Ráczmolnár

When did you start working as a jewellery maker?: I really fell in love with making jewellery when I became aware that beyond the traditional form of this craft, there is a field of contemporary jewellery making that lies closer to fine art.
What made you realise that this is your path?: That happened when I saw the variety of elements that can be used. Making jewellery can be narrative, experimental, conceptual or even research-oriented in terms of shapes or materials. It is a language that enables a close and intimate connection to the body and soul of a person.
What are the things that inspire you the most?: My pieces garner attraction and interest based on each observer’s background, story, associations and memories. To trigger that is definitely challenging, but it is also an inspiration that fuels my work. As I get to know more and more people with varying views and sensibilities, my methods and the complexity of my work keep evolving.
What aspects about your work do you prefer?: Jewellery is my vehicle for travelling. Wherever I go, I meet people who feel like old friends. This community is like a big family, with distant relatives all around the globe. With the language of jewellery, everyone can be engaged. When a jewel is visible, anyone can form an opinion, as a maker or as a wearer.

Flóra Anna Vági is a master artisan: she began her career in 2000 and she started teaching in 2010