Artist’s Name: Vijoya Taylor

Name of Brand: Joya Jewelry Design

Artist’s Age: 27

Artform: Handcrafted Jewelry

Why do you do what you do? When did you realize a passion for what you do?

I’ve always loved beautiful accessories. I remember snooping through my mom’s cupboard looking for clip-on earrings and marveling at some of the exotic-looking jewelry she had collected with agates and other stones. I used to make little beaded rings and bracelets for my friends in middle school, but I didn’t start seriously making jewelry until I was 22!

What are some of the challenges that you have faced while trying to pursue your passion?

I have faced situational challenges that have to do with materials, as well as internal issues with time management. I import most of the metal wire I use, even though I live in a country and region rich with metals of all sorts, especially aluminum.

Have you encountered people who have been skeptical about your dreams?

Yes, and sometimes those skeptical voices have come from those close to me! I think most of their skepticism comes from the belief in our community that the life of an artist/artisan is not aspirational, profitable or ‘responsible’.

How did you initially react to those people and how do you act towards them now?

Getting that kind of response was definitely unpleasant. At first, I rolled with their opinion and started casting doubt over my creations and any small steps or investments I took in my business. This went on for a while, ‘till I realized I was shooting myself in the foot by seeking approval from people around me, to begin with. I started to follow my own gut and challenge myself based on what I thought was right. These days I’m much better at tuning out the doubters!

How do you work? What is the method to your ‘madness’ and how do you filter your creativity?

I have a functional, organized mess going on at my worktable. A lot of my ideas come from seeing that mosaic of colors and textures and picking up specific beads/wire that stand out to me, with the intention of making something from them.

There are moments that design presents itself and I feel the urge to sketch it out and get to work but, much of the time, I let the beads and the wire lead the way and I shift and adjust the design as I go. Often by the end, I’m pleasantly surprised!

What role do you believe “the artist” has in society? / How do you feel your art form has the power to benefit society?

Artists tap into the collective unconscious of society and their role is to hold up a reflection of everything a society loves, hates, desires and fears. Also, there is artistry is to be found in every aspect of human life and society, even in the factory-made objects around us. I believe that everyone can develop an artist’s eye – a way of looking at the potential and hidden beauty of things – even if they don’t have obvious artistic gifts.

Out of all your work, which piece resonates the most with you?

My most time-consuming piece was a long lariat necklace that required 9.5 meters of veeery fine wire in two colors which was hand-woven into an intricate pattern. I ended up using an upcycled shiny gold buckle to finish the design. That piece was dear to my heart because of the time and detail that went into it.

How has another artist or creative supported you to pursue your passion?

I’ve been lucky enough to get to know and befriend several visual artists from Suriname and Guyana. They have most of all opened my eyes to the perspective that art can be a way of living, visible in all aspects of your life. Their expertise has also been a major source of support and inspiration in my own creative activities.

“Artists tap into the collective unconscious of a society and their role is to hold up a reflection of everything a society loves, hates, desires and fears.“

~ Vijoya Taylor