Helena Alegre, former member of the Bayanihan dance troupe and an artisan, creates beautiful jewelery inspired by nature.
Have many years have you been making jewelry and how did you get into it?
I started making silver jewelry in 2005 after moving to Daet, Camarines Norte. I attended a seminar organized by the Cmarines Norte Jewelry Association. After that, I took private lessons from a goldsmith. I got hooked on it and haven’t stopped since. Working on silver is very interesting for me.
This isn’t your first time to make accessories though, so how is this collection different from your previous works?
My current collection has more intricate designs and are bigger and bolder. I get crazy playing with the designs and get inspired by my surroundings. My previous works are “naive” and you can see the forms are restricted But as time passes, and I immers myself in this kind of art, I find that I get more creative and freer. As a result, my designs are now more detailed. Each piece is very personal to me. I still want to show the imperfections of the stones and their raw feel. I find that more interesting and artistic.
Why silver?
Silver is a malleable metal and I have a wide range of choices on how I can work with it. It is one of the precious metals, aside from gold, that is available in Camarines Norte. It’s available and it goes along with my designs, the unpolished semi-precious stones and it suits my personality. It’s futuristic and modern…it goes well with anything and it has an intrinsic value among other metals.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I get inspiration from nature. Things that surround me inspire me. I love insects, fauna, art, history and culture. I respect symbolism, culture and history. Each piece that i make has a story behind it. The filigree designs were inspired by Tambourine jewellery. When i was young, it’s been a dream to have my own Tambourine necklace. During the Hispanic period, it symbolized status and regarded as an heirloom for your children.
How long have you been living outside of Manila? What are the things you miss about it?
I”ve been living comfortably In Camarines Norte for the past eight-and-a-half years. I fell in love with the place. I love the food, I love the people, and it’s very laid back. I love the simple life. Here, I am able to express my art with the help of several people who trust and believe in me. I get support from DTI who hone my skills and encourage me to attend more seminars. Manila, I always love. i do miss my family back home and my friends and my colleagues from Bayanihan dance troupe. Sometimes, when I need to recharge, I visit manila to attend art exhibits, go to museums and art galleries and talk about art, life and music with new friends that I inevitably make.
‘Silver Opulence’ by Helena Alegra is presented by Department of Trade and Industry and the Camarines Norte Provincial Tourism Office. It opens on Nov 13, 6pm, at Artes Orientes Gallery (2/F The Shops, Serendra, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig) and runs till 19 Nov. The artist will personally be donating parts of the proceeds to #YolandaPH relief efforts.
