Debuting her first collection of ceramic jewellery pieces, Glory Emad has just stepped foot into the world of experimental bijoux, and we’re already big fans of her work. We talked to her about her inspiration and creative process.
When did you decide you want to make jewellery?
I’ve always been so passionate about creating and crafting things with my own hands, since I was a little girl. I used to do a lot of beading and accessories out of thread. Later on at university, I decided to take a ceramic workshop which turned out to be my new passion. I was very intrigued by clay in terms of material and form and the endless results you can get from experimenting with clay shaping and glazes. That’s how I got the idea to combine my passion for jewellery making with my passion for ceramics.
Why did you focus on ceramic material?
I decided to mainly focus on ceramic material for my jewellery since my main goal was to make use of traditional techniques, crafts, patterns and materials and reinvent them in new ways. Since pottery-making is one of the oldest crafts known in Egypt, I wanted to revive it but not in the exact stereotypical way that people are used to.
What is the theme behind your recent collection?
Our spring/summer collection is inspired by this season’s color palettes of neutral, pastel and silvery metallic colors, with shades of blush pink, off-white and metallic silver. With a silky smooth surface, all shapes are inspired from the girih patterns, which can be identified as complex interlaced geometric patterns – an artistic concept present since the medieval times in local Egyptian architecture and handcrafts.
Tell us about your creative process.
It all starts with creating a moodboard and gathering some inspiration, then I translate that into sketches on paper. After that, you create those same shapes by cutting them into clay. The next step is bisque-firing the pieces after they are dry. After preparing the glazes (colors used for clay), I start spraying the pieces and fire them again a second time. Finally, when they’re out, the assembly and stitching process begins, and I can then attach all the silver accessories to the ceramic pieces.
Any challenges along the way?
I’ve come across a lot of challenges actually.. Time, to begin with. All my jewellery is made piece by piece. It requires a lot of attention to detail because I finely cut, sand and drill the holes in each shape, wait for them to dry, fire them, wait two days till they’re out of the kiln, glaze them and fire them again! It’s a pretty long process. Another thing I find challenging is how people will perceive the handmade jewellery pieces and if they recognize their worth. Sometimes, it feels like handmade pieces are not valued enough in our Egyptian culture.
Where are your pieces available?
You can purchase my pieces through my online store piecesbyglory.zammit.shop or find them available through my accounts on social media.
Facebook: @piecesbyGlory
Instagram: @piecesbyglory
