Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Doug D’souza. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Doug, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

In the early stages of my career, I developed a passion for Engineering Mechanics. I was always curious about how things work and the mechanics behind them. However, my career path was disrupted when I faced an unexpected accident that left me at a crossroads.

Despite the challenges that came with the accident, I discovered a newfound creativity within myself. I decided to explore this side of me and enrolled in a Graphic Design course. This not only helped me to develop my skills but also led me to an internship at a local design studio. There, I learned how to create designs and also honed my skills in etching and carving glass. I enjoyed every aspect of the craft, from designing to spending hours sand-blasting glass.

It was during this period that I realized my true calling lay in the creative field.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am Doug D’souza, a jewelry and mixed-media artist. My artistic journey began unexpectedly, with each twist of fate shaping my career path. An accident led me away from my initial career path and towards a creative one. Another unexpected event shifted my focus from glass to jewelry.

In my studio, I create unique pieces that blend precious and non-precious metals to create a fusion of creativity and craftsmanship. This allows me to explore a wide range of materials, from traditional precious metals to hypoallergenic options like titanium, aircraft aluminum, and surgical stainless steel. My goal is to design pieces that not only look beautiful but also cater to a diverse range of preferences and sensitivities.

My rustic wedding bands are particularly special to me, as they represent a collection of mixed metal rings, each with its unique story. I take pride in the fact that every ring is entirely hand-fabricated, ensuring that each one is a one-of-a-kind custom creation. These rings can be customized around the center insert with designs and textures and further personalized with inside ring engraving.

I also have a collection of symbol pieces designed to evoke messages of love, peace, and tolerance. These symbols are laden with cultural and spiritual significance, and they represent the universal principles that transcend religious boundaries.

My journey into the world of enamel jewelry is a captivating exploration of the fusion of glass and metal. I find profound beauty in the vibrant, translucent hues that enamel allows me to create. Each piece of jewelry becomes a miniature canvas, capturing not only the essence of color but also the essence of emotion.

After spending over two decades making jewelry, I felt a desire to create something bigger.
In February 2021, I moved into a larger studio space, which inspired me to venture into a new realm – making Jewelry For The Wall.

My wall sculptures represent an expansion of my artistic vision, moving from the intricacies of jewelry to a larger and more expressive form. I use Fold-forming and Origami techniques to craft intricate, hollow forms from sheet metal, experimenting with aluminum and steel.

My debut series, Making Waves, carries a double meaning that resonates with me. Firstly, it represents a stirring of my artistic waters, a departure from the familiar into uncharted territory. Secondly, it encapsulates the essence of the series – creating Wall Jewelry that celebrates the beauty of waves and the coastal waters that surround us.

In the world of abstract painting, I find my voice in the dance of colors, shapes, and brushstrokes. My canvases are expressions of emotion, an open invitation for viewers to embark on their journeys of interpretation. Abstract art, for me, is a boundless realm where imagination knows no limits. I strive to capture the intangible, evoke feelings, and spark contemplation through the language of abstraction.

The concept of “Pathways” serves as both my muse and my canvas. I find inspiration in the notion that life is an intricate web of interconnected journeys, each one unique, each one with its twists and turns. These pathways are more than mere physical routes; they represent the choices we make, the challenges we overcome, and the dreams we pursue.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

After completing my associate’s degree in Engineering Mechanics, I landed a job with BMW that I loved. It had great benefits and plenty of room for me to grow. A few years later, I bought a BMW of my own and was proud of what I had accomplished. One day, while waiting for my girlfriend to return from dropping off her mother and groceries, I glanced up in the rearview mirror to see a car careening towards me at high speed. There was no way to avoid the collision, and I braced myself for impact. The other car hit my left rear side and then swerved right, lifting my car partially onto the curb before hitting a tree. The crash left me with injuries to my back and neck, which ultimately resulted in me losing my job as I was no longer able to perform my physical duties. While my car was totaled, I was more devastated by the loss of my job. Although I was offered a desk job, I declined the offer. After the accident, I took some time to reevaluate my life. I decided to pursue a course in Graphic Design, which I thought would be a lucrative career. The course led to an internship at a design studio, where I learned how to etch and carve glass.

Eventually, I found myself working with glass, and my partner and I opened a gallery in South Carolina.
One day, while installing a commissioned piece at a landscaping company’s grand opening, my hired help failed to show up. In a panic, I attempted to lift one side of the glass on my own, aggravating my old injury from the car accident. The resulting second accident was entirely my fault. While I recovered, my partner suggested that I try working with jewelry tools instead, as a smaller canvas might be easier on my body. I tried it and found that I loved it. I’ve been working with jewelry ever since.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I find Christmas morning to be the most fulfilling time for me. It brings me joy to think that people around the world have received presents that I have personally designed and crafted with my own hands. I meet talented artists who inspire me and we sometimes collaborate if our styles are compatible. I meet wonderful customers who support me and often become my friends. And this is huge – I usually prefer to sleep in most days as I am a nocturnal creature. I tend to do most of my creative work between 8 pm and 2 am

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dougdsouzajewelry.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dougdsouzajewelry
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DougDsouzaJewelryDesign