Ülle Voosalu (b 1954 Tartu)
1980 ERKI
A member of the Estonian Artists’ Association since 1987, I worked as a jewellery and metalwork artisan at the Tartu ARS metal workshop from 1981 to 1995, and as a lecturer at the Tartu Higher Art School from 1995 to 2001. Since 2001, I have been working as a freelance artist. I have been exhibiting my work since 1981.
The person who has had the greatest influence on my artistic development is the Pallas-trained painter and educator Silvia Jõgever. My studies at the Estonian State Art Institute (ERKI) provided me with the professional knowledge and technical skills that became the foundation of my work. Ellen Tamm introduced me to the history of jewellery and the mystical world of gemstones. For my graduation project, I combined openwork sawing with filigree and engraved bone. The qualities I have always sought in jewellery are lightness and delicacy. Since 1992, I have worked primarily in my own signature technique, using a variety of wire-weaving methods.
I am fascinated by the possibility of shaping form and surface directly with my hands, working with a material that is already in its final state and seeing the result evolve continuously, without an intermediary or “black” phase. I work primarily with silver, but also with gold and titanium. When using local stones, I find copper to be the most natural material to weave around them. I am endlessly captivated by the beauty and energy of gemstones and simply cannot resist incorporating them generously into my work. Perhaps I am trying to paint with jewellery.
Our ancestors understood the magical power of jewellery—they believed it could protect its wearer and provide strength. I, too, create jewellery with my best wishes for the person who will wear it, and I deeply appreciate the opportunity to do so.
— From the book “A-Gallery. Estonian art jewellery gallery for 20 years” (2014)
