We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vasiliki Sountou a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Vasiliki, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

Creativity has been a part of who I am since the very beginning. As far back as I can remember, I had a desire to built, craft, and express myself through hands-on creations. However, I never considered a professional creative path as an option for myself. That is, until I found myself stuck in a technocratic job, feeling suffocated and looking for a way out. It was during this transformative period that my once-hobby of crafting jewellery took on a profound significance in my life. Determined to break free and unleash my creativity and artistic vision, I made the bold decision to pursue formal studies in jewellery design, with the ultimate dream of establishing my own brand.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

A Jewelry Tale. My brand, Vasiliki Sountou Jewellery is a collection of unique, distinctive jewelry, made with care and love, in Thessaloniki city center, Greece.
As a creator, most of the time, you’ll find me in my workshop, sitting on my bench, drawing, building or dismantling things, turning my inspiration into practice.
When it comes to my work, I continuously seek for diversity in terms of shape and design, yet I like to keep things simple. And keeping things simple isn’t always simple. I’m mostly focusing on transformations of the classic into a contemporary result, through geometric plays. There is something unique, yet classic, about minimal designs that are beautifully romantic.
As a lover of experimentation, I often play with an array of materials to make each piece unique. Sterling silver and gold are the foundation of my craft, and I pair these metals with unconventional materials to make small pieces of artwear. Each piece takes several hours of dedication to be created by hand, ensuring that the final product is flawless and exceptional.
When searching for ideas and inspiration, I take trips to various destinations around the world. During my travels, I study history, art, explore new places, and meet new people, always seeking the next concept to bring to life. Inspiration can sometimes come from the unlikeliest of places.
Having always in mind the classic techniques of the silversmith craftsmanship, my jewelry are timeless pieces of artwear, given in a modern way.
My signature collection named “Filigree”, is a testament to the ancient jewellery technique that is over 5000 years old and passed down through generations. This approach is rarely practiced nowadays, but I enjoy exploring it to its fullest potential. Filigree collection adds a modern touch to this traditional craftsmanship, pushing the boundaries of what is considered historically traditional. My jewellery are designed with a vintage touch and radiate a mystical atmosphere that captures the essence of the brand, since the logo is inspired by one of the series ornaments.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I would say that the mission driving my creative journey is rooted in preserving and celebrating the rich tradition of silversmithing, which holds significant cultural importance in Greece, my country of origin. By embracing this craft, I strive to not only pay homage to our heritage but also to innovate and bring a contemporary twist to these age-old techniques. My goal is to create timeless pieces of jewellery that showcase the beauty and craftsmanship of our ancestors while resonating with modern aesthetics. With every creation, I aim to carry forward the legacy of silversmithing and share a part of our cultural heritage with the world.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the deep fulfillment that comes from expressing myself authentically through my art. Creativity is an inherent part of my essence, and through my creations, I can communicate my emotions, thoughts, and unique perspective with the world. Witnessing my ideas materialize into tangible forms and evoke emotions in others is incredibly gratifying. It’s a profound connection, knowing that my creativity has the power to inspire, touch hearts, and ignite a spark of joy or contemplation in those who encounter my work. Ultimately, being a creative allows me to leave a lasting impact and share a piece of myself with the world, and that, to me, is truly invaluable.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vasilikisountou.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vasilikisountoujewellery/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vasilikisountoujewellery

Image Credits
Male model: Alex Piechowiak Photographer (of the male model) : Jannis Tomtsis