Influenced by the dynamics of the modern life style, sculptures and jewelry by Cuban artists Jorge Gil uphold the perfectionist, obstinate and fanciful traits of their creator. Titanium is a relatively new metal in silversmithing and Gil is helping us write its history with his genuine pieces.
By observing his pieces we wonder: What’s in a scale? What’s the difference between a small and a large body sculpture?Gil’s unique, exotic and valuable pieces endure hard strokes because they are riveted, sculpted, texturized and forged.
This creator always finds a way to avoid welding and find a solution in the properties of the metal. Each day is a new challenge. In Germany, a country with a broad tradition in jewels design, Gil was recently chose amongthe 32 worldwide artists nominated for its emblematic annual design award.
Canoa (500 rings) His rings have been referenced in Showcase 500 Rings: New Directions in Art Jewelry (500 Series), a US magazine on the best rings in the world. Since 2012 he is in charge of the Choral Award of the International New Latin American Film Festival and has been the single Cuban artist included in I Love You Design Jewelry and Accessories, first jewelry catalogue edited in China.
It’s been almost 20 years since men conquered titanium, which shows its kindness after having been conquered and allows to be colored through heat or electrolytic processes to be transformed into jewels that go beyond any conventional terms. Simplicity, boldness and innovation are translated into small pieces to adorn the skin: genuine pieces by the sculptor.
Similarly as it has occurred with other artistic expressions throughout history, while observing Gil’s work, spectators realize its creator has received Cuban and foreign influences from all times in order to consolidate his style and find his own code which materializes in unique and valuable pieces.
On the other hand, his work lacks antecedents in our scenario, which has characterized by recent oversaturation of art crafts free from patrimonial and aesthetic grips. Gil’s work has been irreverent, transgressor, experimental.From the moment maestro Osvaldo Castilla gave him his first titanium fragment Gil attempted to subdue it; it is a hard and obstinate metal, just as its creator.
“It is possible to work with titanium without having worked with the traditional metals”, he told OnCuba. He added that he defines himself as a fanatical craftsmen, designer and mechanic sketcher.
What drew your attention to titanium for creating your pieces?
Titanium is an essential character in my proposal; I can combine it with stone, wood or with other material, but it always plays the leading role. Its welding is valid and possible, though I would rather use more primitive techniques, the same techniques that allowed humankind to develop till present day.
El ojo de la tormenta (Jorge Gil) I always try to keep intact its molecular structure and to find solutions by other means rather than welding. I wouldn’t have been able to get to titanium if I hadn’t learned the basics from the treaties on
