LIKE TRAVELLING BIRDS: BAMBOO EARRINGS BY SILVIA FURMANOVICH
The surprisingly resilient bamboo structure, supported by elegant golden caging, resembles the V-shaped formation of birds flying to the South.
These light and dark brown Bamboo Loop Earrings, in 18k yellow gold, rattan and bamboo, were created by Silvia Furmanovich, an illustrious Brazilian jewelry designer, who has long been enraptured by the wondrous beauty of objects handcrafted by skilled artisans.
Birds are the most accomplished aeronauts the world has ever seen. They fly high and low, at great speed, and very slowly. And always with extraordinary precision and control.
David Attenborough
Have you ever wondered why some birds fly in a distinctive V-formation?
While it's commonly thought that this behavior serves to conserve energy, it turns out that the reason is even more complex and impressive.
As a bird flaps its wings, it creates a rotating vortex of air that causes the air behind it to push downwards, and the air behind and to the sides to push upwards. Another bird flying in either of these upwash zones can experience free lift and save energy by riding on the airflow created by its flock-mate.
Recent research by Henri Weimerskirch using heart-rate monitors on pelicans has shown that birds at the back of the V have slower heart rates and flap less often than those at the front.
But it's not just about staying in the right place – birds in formation also flap at exactly the right moment. It's like walking through the snow with someone who has already made footprints, making the journey easier and more efficient.
The incredible coordination and communication required for birds to fly in such precise formation is truly awe-inspiring!
To travel is to fly: it's jumping off the cliff and building your wings on the way down, like a bird taking flight.
Ray Bradbury
Silvia Furmanovich's pursuit of inspiration, new materials, exceptional artisans and knowledge is akin to the graceful flight of birds, as she journeys across the world in search of techniques to incorporate into her exquisite creations.
During her travels, Silvia was spellbound by the art of bamboo weaving. At the hot springs town of Beppu, located on the Southern Japanese island of Kyushu, she encountered a rich tradition that spans generations, with apprenticeships lasting many years and the transfer of knowledge from father to son. The mastery of these intricate techniques can take decades – a testament to the indelible dedication and skill of the artisans.
The world is a book, and those who do not travel, read only a page.
Marco Polo
Meticulous research led her to the awe-inspiring artistry of basket-weaving masters, including Abe Motoshi, Morigami Jin, Shiotsuki Juran, and Jiro Yonezawa.
In these exquisite rattan baskets, expert craftsmanship meets intuitive design to create a rare synergy of quality and ease-of-use. And if that wasn't impressive enough, some of these baskets have stood the test of time for over a millennium! Stored at the Shōsōin, the treasure house of Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara, Japan, these baskets have survived largely uncorrupted for more than a thousand years.
In an age where technological advancement is king, Silvia remains an avid advocate for unique forms of traditional craftsmanship. Her love for natural, unconventional materials and the transformative magic of pairing them with precious stones and metals has become a hallmark of her visionary designs.
I always say that my pieces tell stories, and I try to create an emotional connection between the wearer and the jewelry. I believe that what makes a piece precious is not only the materials it is made of, but also the love and passion that go into making it.
Silvia Furmanovich in an interview for Harper's Bazaar
She has always been drawn to commonplace materials like wood, shells, and real flowers encased in resin. In bamboo art, she has found a medium that perfectly embodies her philosophy: with its versatility and sustainability, bamboo has over 5,000 recorded uses, making it an ideal material for Silvia's vision of creating jewelry that is both gorgeous and meaningful.
The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists.
Japanese proverb
As Silvia delved deeper into the world of bamboo, she encountered the Seven Bamboo Teachings, symbolizing its physical and spiritual properties.
For her, bending but not breaking, flexible yet firmly rooted, continuously growing, and being extremely useful through its simplicity, bamboo represents the perfect material for this moment in time: a symbol of resilience and adaptability, which could inspire us all to be more mindful of our choices and their impact on the world.
The state of Acre in the Amazon rainforest, where Silvia's marquetry pieces are made, is home to one of the world's largest bamboo plantations. This surprising synchronicity was a sign that Silvia was on the right path. It inspired her to partner with the Instituto Jatobás, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable living and consciousness in Brazil. Through this partnership, Silvia's company supports the institution's craftsmen, teaching them the art of Japanese knot-weaving and inviting Japanese artisans to share their unique skills.
I like to work with unique and unexpected materials, combining them with traditional techniques to create pieces that are both beautiful and innovative.
Silvia Furmanovich in an interview for Harper's Bazaar
Silvia's choice of gems for this collection is a subtle and powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of everything. Citrine, garnet, emerald, moonstone, jasper, amethyst, and topaz are among the stones chosen to complement the hues and textures of the bamboo, highlighting the endless potential for beauty in unexpected combinations.
Through her Amazonia Bamboo Collection, Silvia Furmanovich is not just creating jewelry, she is building connections between cultures, materials, and people.
Her work is a testament to the transformative power of art and human hands.
