Since the early days of humanity, anonymous goldsmiths performed silver objects for liturgical purposes and secular utilitarian functions. A rebirth of in the various craft demonstrations, including metal work and particularly goldsmith, began as continuity of this tradition in the twentieth century. For many years, this job was only for men.
In Cuba, since the 1960s, there are several women goldsmiths. As continuity to this feminine incursion, Rosana Vargas started very young to make her pieces, impregnated with a unique label, characterized by a constant search and a refined technique. The metal is the base on which her work is based; assembled, textured, patinated or set in alternative materials, make each of her pieces a world of fantasy and reality. Rosana uses bold and attractive shapes in her designs, and imposes a style that identifies her in pendants, rings, bracelets, earrings.
Semiprecious gems, various metals, pearls of different volumes that approach them to sculptural forms characterize her proposal. Some of her series are named after songs, as Rosana is very musical, music inspires her and melodies are melted together with metal.
So ROX Orfebreria (Goldsmith), her jewelry company that drinks from minimalism, sculpture and engineering, arises. With refined lines and mirrorizing on flat surfaces, she delivers genuine offering of the best Cuban contemporary goldsmith. The purity of the stroke, the delicacy of the features of the metal, freedom of movement, sophistication, femininity and modernity, are elements that characterize her way of dealing with the job. Her pieces, impeccably made, make those who still hesitate when describing the jewelry as art to vary their point of view.
Rosana says that a good jewel is forever and although perfection does not exist, she tries to get close. The g oldsmith talked to OnCuba about her work, which is marketed in various parts of the Cuban capital and the tourist resort of Varadero, and has also burst into several international markets such as Panama, Venezuela , Italy, Germany and the United States, among other countries.
How do you take on the challenge of being a woman goldsmith in Cuba today?
It means quite a challenge because currently the goldsmiths have a very similar trend: minimalist, with geometric leaning, orienting us toward the figures. It is a real challenge because finding exclusivity among many ways to do that have a similar starting point is rather complex. Today it is not the time of Rafart, the eclectic mix or art nouveau, their time have passed, that way was back thanks to the growth experienced by contemporary Cuban art, without excluding jewelry. The strength on artists when making and creating is highly appreciated. I have a very popular public and have another more demanding that is the one that forces me to create, create and create without stopping.
Your work is minimalist. How the essence of your aesthetic proposal is inserted into the broad spectrum of Cuban goldsmith?
According to Rosita Juampere, my work has a sculptural principle. And she is partially right, as I studied civil engineering; I like forms, geometry, flat and shiny surfaces that come close to perfection, flawless and glass finish. I combine silver with stones because they have energy, are natural and I like what is natural because it has much to do with my personality.
I like to make things that will last a lifetime, and stones along with metal are enduring, they are forever. I have mixed silver with fabrics, copper, titanium. I really like experimenting and elegance. I’ve done series related to wines, inspired by certain grapes and wine varieties. Some works carry a table work more elaborated; others come out in a stroke. The important thing is to have every day desire to create and enjoy it. Working tirelessly, that’s the key to success.
Bought earrings in Havana in March by ROX. I love these earrings and many of my friends would like to buy them. Are they offered anywhere in the US or online?