CAMEO IS AN ONGOING SERIES FEATURING CANADIAN JEWELLERY ARTISTS. HERE, THEY SHARE THEIR LATEST THOUGHTS AND INSIGHTS, AND GIVE US A PEEK INTO THEIR PRACTICE.
Jewelry is a form of non-verbal communication, and as such, represents a social cultural discourse. It offers a tangible representation of values, membership, history and politics. Through my practice I see to create pieces that incite dialogue. My sculptural jewels are a way for me to explore different narratives and concepts such as identity and belonging.
Describe your current work/practice in one sentence.
My culture, history, social justice.
What are three things/ideas that inspire you?
What other things do you do besides your jewellery practice?
I am also a lapidary artist, a single mother, and I enjoy reading and writing.
I don't necessarily have a favorite, it's more along the lines that I make each piece with intention while setting high goals for myself, so that each piece is a learning curve and provides space for growth and evolution. There is generally always an investigative element to my pieces as well, which I always enjoy.
What is a favourite piece that you’ve made and why?
Julia Bustos-Vasquez
A los heroes que nunca mueren (To the heroes that never die) (2021)
Sterling silver, synthetic corundum, C.Z.
Image by the artist
Julia Bustos-Vasquez
No nos conquistaron (We were not conquered) (2022)
Sterling silver, synthetic ruby
Image by the artist
What word pops into your mind when you think of Canadian art jewellery?
Diverse and exciting
I recently got a research and creation grant from the Canada Council for the Arts that I will be working on over the summer. I will explore my Guatemalan heritage and mythology to create 4 exhibition ready sculptural jewels.
What is coming up next for you?
Published: 2023/08/14
