WELCOME TO MY BLOG!

I am very happy to introduce my new blog. Please make yourself at home...

After years of having a website which presents my designs only, I have decided to open an online space for all things related to them: Jewelry is not all about the finished product - it's about the spark of inspiration, the message it carries, a way of life, and even the philosophy behind it. 

This blog will research those areas by introducing inspirations, interesting art & architecture, unique techniques and methods, fashion tips, photos of jewelry collections, and many more. I am interested in creating a community where people with similar interests can discuss, and so each post will be an invitation for a conversation with you.

Please join me and subscribe to my blog! I hope this is a beginning of a beautiful journey...

See you,

Hella Ganor

From My Netline Collection: Small Twisted Torus on coil / 14k gold

INSPIRATION IS EVERYWHERE

Just as the title says, inspiration surrounds us everywhere we look. It is a treasure box that keeps evolving and expanding all the time. Keeping that in mind, I have assembled a short list of topics which have always interested me and keep challenging my imagination and creativity every day. Here is a list of my 7 inspiration topics and photos, as of today... enjoy!

1. NATURE

Fitting for first topic in the list - It is safe to say that all creations, including the latest innovations, are all derived from nature. In a way, we all are. Even though the world we live in is the source which introduced to us to the basic artistic and aesthetic motifs merely by observing it (most of the times unconsciously!), still I am often amazed by the geometry and symmetry found in nature. 

Sand waves in Arizona, USA

2. ARCHITECTURE

One of my biggest passions in life.

Architecture is something that flows in my veins, and has inspired me greatly in my artistic world. I always wanted to be an architect, but since life led me in other directions, I imported my visions into my sculpture and jewelry pieces.  

Calatrava - Denver International Airport, Denver, USA



3. WOMEN

No need to elaborate much. A woman is a work of art, and when designing a jewel for her I aspire to create a piece that would complement her, be comfortable, sophisticated, elegant, made in highest quality, and the list goes on and on....

The beautiful Kate Menson

4. ART

All forms and shapes of art inspire me. Galleries, ballets shows, theater, and music performances have an important part in my everyday life. It doesn't matter in which medium, but as long as a new idea (design, thought, etc.) is presented and well executed, the spark of inspiration will linger in my mind.

Fourfold, Chiara Corbelletto

5. CULTURES

I love to travel. In every new place I visit I observe the local culture, mentalities, and of course, the jewelry too... Any town, city, country is different in the way of life. It is quite liberating to sometimes think of your own way of life as "another option" rather than "the normal way", don't you think?

  Fulani girls, Mali | ©Carol Beckwith and Angela Fisher

6. INDUSTRIAL DESIGN

In my jewelry designs, I have always mixed different materials, such as metals, felt, steel, silicone, and more. I find inspiration in the challenge to create fine jewelry using materials which do not instinctively relate to the popular concept of it. 

 Eleanor Bolton

7. PATTERNS

Parallel to some of the previous topics such as architecture and nature, interesting patterns could be found anywhere and I find them to be fascinating. An inspiring pattern could be a repetitive geometric shape or design, perhaps even a simple looking one, but it will capture my eyes and make me think about what makes it so appealing. What is the hidden element that makes it unforgettable. 

  Sol Lewitt

                                   

8. WHAT'S YOURS...?
I'd love to know what inspires you - in any aspect you wish.

Add a comment sharing your own inspiration below.

All the photos above were taken from my inspiration board on Pinterest, check it out to view many more of my inspirational photos.

A LITTLE ABOUT MYSELF

I'd like to share my story with you, about how I became a jewelry designer.

Before I start, in order to really understand my story, you must know that I am a frustrated architect. By that I mean that I have always hoped and dreamed of becoming an architect. But sometimes life leads you in unexpected ways…

Metropol parasol / Sevilla, Spain

Becoming a mom led me into the academic world of education. However I always remembered my dream, and decided to pursue my art once my children were old enough.

Along the years, every time I was looking to buy jewelry for myself, I felt like there was never something out there for me. I always knew I wanted the jewelry I wear to combine an artistic designer style alongside a comfortable wearable aspect which was crucial to me.

That is when I decided to study jewelry manufacture, and started creating the jewelry I was looking for. I had started to give life to my designer dream; I loved it. But still, something was missing. I felt I needed to learn more about theory and concept of a piece, rather than just creating a "good looking" garment. 

After a fascinating conversation with the founder of the sculpture school "Basis", I immediately signed up for a 5 year program. There I learned about proportions, well-built structures, understanding the manufacture methods of a piece, and much more. I gave freedom to my artistic side, creating my own visions into real pieces, this time without thinking about wearability and practicality as jewelry requires. 

My sculptures: 3 birds / steel and plastic

This raised a critical question concerning my jewelry brand: how to keep a free artistic design even when designing a piece which is worn, and must be practical? This was a question that continued to fascinate me.

I am happy to tell you that I have reached the point in the story where it all comes together. After having a lot of experience creating handmade jewelry, and accumulating the the knowledge of art and sculpture, the last piece of the puzzle was introduced: The technology of 3D printing. For me it was simply a gift, because it allowed me to manufacture all of my fantasy jewelry designs which handmade craft does not enable creating.

From My Netline Collection: Mobius ring #2 / 14K gold and Diamonds 

Using this innovative technique I have created my Netline collection: Jewels that are not only my design fantasies, but also well-structured pieces; Very fine and precise looking yet strong and durable; full of artistic presence and uniqueness yet very comfortable and practical by being hollow, smooth, and light-weight.

This is the story of how I created my own world of architecture - with jewelry.

From My Netline Collection: Flat mobius ring / 14k gold

 

From My Netline Collection: Large Bombé ring / 14k gold

This is my story in a nutshell...

If you feel like sharing your own path, write down a comment about how you have reached the place where you are today, or where you aspire to reach next!

This is me at my son's wedding, 2 years ago :)