Lejla Nuhić & Ajla Šarić

Werkstatt

Jewellery maker

©Maja Topcagic

Born from the art of printmaking

Lejla and Ajla launched Werkstatt in 2015
They use various printmaking techniques to create jewellery
International pop star Beyoncé has worn their creations in her music videos

Lejla Nuhić and Ajla Šarić met at the Academy of Fine Arts in Sarajevo back in 1999, where both studied under the mentorship of one of the most respected artists and printmakers in Europe, Dževad Hozo. The two of them became friends and later, business partners. Their jewellery pieces are crafted at their workshop Werkstatt which came to life in 2015. What kickstarted their work at Werkstatt was the idea of making earrings from the zinc and brass metal plates they used in printmaking. Each piece of their jewellery contains a mini graphic image characterised by contrasting etchings and other visual effects. To achieve this, Lejla and Ajla use a variety of printmaking techniques, such as copper etching, aquatint, dry point, mezzotint, and soft ground.

Interview

©Maja Topcagic

©Maja Topcagic

How would you describe your creations?: The concept behind our work is a combination of tradition and innovation. We use 1000-year-old printmaking techniques to create innovative and modern pieces of jewellery.
What do you love most about your work?: We love everything about it, but the biggest pleasure is being able to do what is meaningful to us and see it being recognised and appreciated by others. We cherish the sense of community, friendships, and partnerships we have created over the years.
What are your sources of inspiration?: The primary source of our inspiration for jewellery when we started was printmaking art. Today, our biggest inspiration are the people who support us. There is nothing more inspiring than seeing such stunning, powerful, and strong women wear the jewellery we craft.
What is one thing about your work that people do not normally know?: Beyoncé wore our jewellery in her music videos ‘Spirit’ and 'Bigger’ in 2019. That is the accomplishment we are most proud of, but not many people outside of our country know about it.

Lejla Nuhić & Ajla Šarić are expert artisans: they began their career in 2008