The Story of Austri Crux

Could you tell me a little about yourself?

My name is Andreas, though some of my closest friends refer to me as Austri or Crux. In 2017, I arrived in Athens with the purpose of acquiring fundamental skills in the craft of jewelry making. During the summer of 2018, I crafted my first collection, consisting of my first ten pieces, known as the Samia collection, employing the very techniques I had learned. Since then, I have embraced various roles within the industry, including student, teacher, goldsmith, and production jeweler. Above all, however, I consider myself a creator who seeks self-expression through the art of jewelry making.

How did you get started in jewelry making, and what inspired you to pursue it as a career? 

I began my creative journey at a young age, experimenting with sea shells, sea woods, strings, guitar picks, and chords. However, it was during my college years as an economic student that I discovered a profound passion for working with wood and embarked on crafting lamps and furniture. As I immersed myself further in this artistic pursuit, I noticed that time seemed to slip away effortlessly while I poured my focus into intricate details on a smaller scale. The idea of creating wearable art truly resonated with me.

When the time came to choose a career path, I wanted to pursue something that allowed me to express my creativity and passion.

How would you describe your artistic style, and what themes or concepts do you explore in your work? 

I find it difficult to pinpoint a specific style that defines my work. My approach to jewelry focuses on the artistic expression and individuality of each piece. I believe that jewelry has the power to resonate with anyone, regardless of their gender, and my creations are meant to be appreciated and enjoyed by all people who connect with them on a deeper level.

What materials do you most enjoy working with, and why? 

I prefer sea wood and silver, mostly for sentimental reasons. Sea wood carries a sentimental value as it was the very first material I had the opportunity to work with. It marked the beginning of my creative exploration and holds a special place in my heart. On the other hand, silver holds its own profound meaning for me. It is the metal from which I crafted my collection, representing a pivotal milestone in my journey as a jewelry maker. 

How do you approach the design process, and what are some of your favorite techniques or methods? 

I often visualize the desired image within my mind and sometimes use simple shapes of drawings as a reference. From there, I proceed directly to working with the chosen material, allowing the creative process to unfold organically. Among my favorite techniques, I have a deep appreciation for the traditional goldsmith's methods and the intricate artistry of the lost wax technique.

Can you walk us through the creation of one of your recent pieces, from inspiration to finished product? 

The most recent piece of jewelry I created was a pair of earrings called Yades. The inspiration for these earrings came from observing a girl wearing a set of U-shaped earrings. The image evoked a sense of beauty reminiscent of ancient Egypt, inspiring me to design earrings that fit an empress. 

The creation process for these earrings began without a formal plan on paper. Instead, I relied on the image in my mind and embarked on bringing it to life. It took me a month to fully translate the envisioned design into a tangible piece. Once this stage was complete, I disassembled the earring and created molds of each individual element that comprised it. Using the lost wax technique, I then crafted another pair of earrings based on the original design.

How do you stay up-to-date on trends and new techniques in jewelry making? 

The primary way I learned and continue to learn is through direct interaction and engagement with other individuals in the jewelry field. While this is not the exclusive method, it is undoubtedly my preferred one.

Who are some of your biggest artistic influences, and why? 

The biggest influence at the start of my jewelry journey that remains to this day is a storyteller named Estas Tonne. It's beautiful to see someone present his art in such a wonderful way, reaching so many different individuals.

What do you hope people feel or think when they see your jewelry? 

I don't hope for anything other than someone else, besides me, liking what I create enough in order to purchase it. But I truly appreciate it when everyone notices the same piece of jewelry in a different way. The shape of the jewelry evokes different associations for each person. It is beautiful to observe in my work, what i have conceived as a truth in all aspects of life.

What are some of the challenges you face as a contemporary jewelry artist, and how do you overcome them? 

The challenging part is that in order to be able to have only this title, you need to take on many other titles that you would not choose in any other case. Time is precious and limited, so i try my best to make every moment count.

Can you talk about a project or piece of jewelry that you are particularly proud of, and why? 

I'm proud of the first piece of jewelry I made, and every piece of jewelry I've made so far. It may sound strange but I am sure that I will continue to be proud until the last one. The reason is, that no jewelry can be completed if I don't feel this way.

How do you handle creative blocks or periods of low motivation? 

I handle it as something I can no longer afford. For me who overthinks the best thing that works, is just to do.

What is your favorite piece of jewelry that you own (either made by you or someone else), and why? 

I don't know if it counts as jewelry, but it's a key ring in the shape of a woman. She is purple and has been following me since childhood.

How do you see your work evolving in the future, and what new techniques or materials are you interested in exploring? 

At the moment I'm thinking of doing more organic forms using a more economical metal like bronze. I would like to use the last technique I learned, which is stone setting.

What have been some of the biggest milestones or accomplishments in your career so far? 

After completing a one-semester course where I learned the basic jewelry techniques, two years later I had the opportunity to teach those techniques to others.

Can you describe a typical day in your studio? 

A typical day in my workshop always involves plenty of coffee. If I don't have a specific order to work on, I love starting something new. Unfortunately it's been a while since I last had the chance to do so, due to other ongoing projects.

What are some of the most memorable reactions or responses you have received to your work? 

I think the one that my friends had, when they came for the first time last year to an exhibition I had in Athens. I knew they liked my jewelry, but it was at that moment that I realized how proud they were of my creations.

How do you measure success as an artist? 

It has to do from where you start, the experiences you gain and the lessons you learn from those experiences. 

To make a living solely from my creations, it would mean the world to me.

What is the most rewarding aspect of being a jewelry artist? 

I think it is the opportunity of meeting interesting people who are also pursuing their dreams. It provides me with inspiration and strength to continue my own journey and improve in my craft, in order to be able to share this gift of inspiration with others.

What is the biggest risk you have taken in your career as an artist, and what did you learn from it? 

The fact that, without capital and while working another job simultaneously, I opened my own business. It allowed me to participate legally in exhibitions, engage in collaborations, and issue official receipts. This experience taught me the valuable lesson that confronting obligations even when feeling unprepared is a direct way to overcome mental barriers. By transforming these challenges into tangible tasks, it becomes easier to manage and overcome them.

How do you approach finding inspiration for your work, and what advice would you give to other artists struggling with creative block? 

There is a place with a beach that I have been visiting since I was a little kid. It holds a special significance for me as it serves as a haven for contemplation and for that reason is a place of inspiration. 

Over time, I have come to realize that inspiration can be found in numerous places and experiences. A creative block signifies a disconnection from my inner center. It's as if something in my mind is obstructing my view. In such moments, I have found two viable options. The first is to delve into introspection and identify what is troubling me; the second is to simply create, regardless of the blockage. Accomplishing one of these tasks leads to the accomplishment of both.

How do you incorporate sustainability and ethical considerations into your work as a jewelry artist? 

Since the day I built my workshop, I have been striving to achieve independence. It's a sense of freedom that I deeply desire. Currently, I am in the process of converting the casting furnace from conventional electricity to solar power. This furnace has the highest energy consumption and operates for many hours. By making this switch, not only will I be able to recycle metal efficiently, but also the majority of my production will be environmentally friendly and sustainable.

What are your favorite things to do outside of making jewelry? 

Anything that involves friends, nature or both.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received, and how have you applied it to your life and work?

“Let's suppose that you were able every night to dream any dream that you wanted to dream. And you would, naturally as you began on this adventure of dreams, you would fulfill all your wishes. You would have every kind of pleasure you could conceive.

And after several nights you would say: Well, that was pretty great. But now let's have a surprise. Let's have a dream which isn't under control. 

Where something is gonna happen to me that I don't know what it's going to be. 

And then you would get more and more adventurous, and you would make further and further out gambles as to what you would dream. 

And finally, you would dream... where you are now.”

- Alan Watts

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in jewelry making? 

In the world of jewelry making, there are numerous genuine and diverse artisans who approach the art from their own unique perspectives. The journey of creating jewelry is both beautiful and challenging, much like any meaningful journey in life. 

Stay true to yourself, and you will see your true self reflected in your work.