Karola Torkos
Born 1975 in Erfurt, East Germany and since then has done a lot of walking, laughing, reading, drawing, learning, reuniting, loving, speaking. From 1994 until 1996 she studied Textile Design studies at Burg Giebichenstein, University of Art and Design Halle, Germany and left the College with pre-diploma and started an internship at the Goldsmithing workshop in Erfurt, Germany. From 1997 to 2002 she then returned to her former university to study Jewellery Art where in November 2002, she obtained a Diploma for Fine Art. From May 2003 to September 2004 she was producing her own pieces as a Goldsmith and was a gallery assistant at Juhls Silvergallery in Kautokeino, Norway. From 2004 to 2006, she followed and graduated from an MA course at the Royal College of Art London from the Goldsmithing, Silversmithing, Metalwork and Jewellery Department.
"As a jewellery designer, I am interested to discover the different and sometimes contrasting aspects of a concept, idea or collection. Therefore, I avoid seeing myself as just a commercial or just an artistic designer working in only one formal language.
My current and ongoing project of changeable/variable jewellery offers a huge playground. Giving the wearer the possibility to change the look of a jewellery piece is in some way handing over the last step in the design process. This is a challenge for both the designer and the wearer and it leads to a very personal relationship to design or art.
Beside developing my own collections and taking on commissions I am interested in designing for companies, collaborations with other designers/ disciplines and teaching those who want to follow a similar professional path. "
She is currently based in London, working freelance and is involved with different projects and clients.
For informations on her collections, direct sales or any other questions, contact her via email: info at karakola dot com
Download her cv (pdf) here.