Kolbrún Ýr Gunnarsdóttir

Jewellery with an eco-heart

• Kolbrún designs with the wearer in mind
• She creates beautiful objects with low environmental impact
• Her style is subtle but has an edge

Kolbrún Ýr Gunnarsdóttir trained as a fashion designer at IED Barcelona, Escola Superior de Disseny. During her studies she began experimenting with materials and making pieces of jewellery. On returning to Iceland, she took a number of courses in silversmithing with Halla Bogadóttir, her teacher at Tækniskólinn in Reykjavík. After mastering the basics, Kolbrún knew the right direction for her was to set up her own studio and continue to develop her silversmithing skills. Sustainability is a key concern of her practice and she mainly works with recycled silver, ensuring her materials are ethically sourced. She creates subtle, beautiful and contemporary jewellery which has heart and soul.

Interview

©All rights reserved

©All rights reserved

Do you remember when you first thought of making jewellery?

For my degree show, I created jewellery made from recycled furniture to accompany my fashion pieces. I had a lot of fun and it made me really determined to study to become a goldsmith, unfortunately I had maxed out my student loans so I had to find other ways to learn.

What is special about making jewellery?

I love making things and using my hands. It is a mindful thing for me, a sort of meditation to make a piece soft and smooth; taking time to make each piece perfect and beautiful. I love having the freedom to create whatever I feel like; giving the time needed to each piece.

Can you tell us a memorable moment in your professional life?

A few years ago, I was preparing for an exhibition and slipped on wet tiles, I fell and broke my wrist. I thought, "I cannot finish my pieces." I had to come up with a solution, I asked for help with 3D drawings, moulds etc. and beautiful pieces was born; that is how “my eco-heart” developed.

What should people know about your work?

I like to think that my work has meaning and a message. Something that is simple but tells a story. I also think it is crucial that everything around the design and production is sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Kolbrún Ýr Gunnarsdóttir is a rising star: she began her career in 2018

Works

©Kolbrún Ýr Gunnarsdóttir

©Kolbrún Ýr Gunnarsdóttir

©Kolbrún Ýr Gunnarsdóttir

©Kolbrún Ýr Gunnarsdóttir

©Kevin Pagès

Where