We, as the Designer Interviews ("DI") had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to interview award-winning, most creative and innovative Hanna Korhonen ("HK").
Hanna Korhonen is a designer who believes in Art ReNouveau and that the light will conquer the world. Her designs revolve around contrasts in form, colours, textures, light and shadow. Hanna's works in the world of design have been noticed and awarded internationally. Hanna contributes her knowledge and help through the field of jewellery design by teaching new designers, participating in the revolution of jewellery to promote the knowledge of the production and creators of jewellery, and by working in positions of trust in this field.
Hanna Korhonen Designs
We are pleased to share with you original and innovative design work by Hanna Korhonen.
Hanna Korhonen Design - 4 C Jewellery Collection
Designer Interview of Hanna Korhonen:
DI: Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
HK : I began my journey as a designer-goldsmith in 1998 and from the very first day I sat at the bench it felt like home. It was incredible to create these almost mystical creations by my own hands. I have had a company called Hanna K Design & Jewellery since 2006.
DI: Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
HK : My atelier is located in Kuopio at the middle of Finland, or as the residents say - the center of the universe.
DI: What is "design" for you?
HK : My company manifesto is that jewellery is poetry in the world of products. They are memories preserved in a small and beautiful form. Filled with stories and meaning.
DI: What kinds of works do you like designing most?
HK : It is such a bliss to be able to do this for the living and take part in different moments of people's lives, be it challenges, love, birth, sorrow...
DI: When do you feel the most creative?
HK : When I am rested and usually when I am in the depths of nature.
DI: Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?
HK : We, the jewellery designers, are in the business of healing the hearts and preserving the important moments.
DI: When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?
HK : There are at least two finnish exhibitions in 2024 where you can see my creations. One in Eura, Ruukinpuisto: Tuhat Korujen Vuotta - Thousand Years of Jewellery, jewellery inspired by the ancient finds from Eura, and one in Espoo: Con Amore exhibition, which shows the works of master goldsmiths.
DI: Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
HK : The shape of my jewelry is mostly given by nature. Its mathematics and randomness, its roughness and clarity of form, its majesty and grace offer ideas endlessly. The creations of the masters of Art Nouveau will never cease to delight me time and time again.
DI: How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?
HK : I create unique and custom made jewellery and small series jewellery from precious metals and gemstones. My designs usually revolve around nature, contrasts in form, colours and textures, light and shadow or philosophic points of view.
DI: Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
HK : I live in Finland. Our cultural heritage is bound mostly with silence and nature. They present themselves in my designs with simple and understated forms and also as decorative and even rough forms and textures. This approach of designing is very common in Finland and one has to invent it differently in order to distinguish oneself from the others.
DI: Can you describe a day in your life?
HK : In the weekday's morning I ride my bicycle to atelier every day, be it winter or summer. Almost always the first thing is to put on some music. My working day consists of drawing new designs and getting them to clients for analysis and opinions or for them to select. I usually have meetings with clients or colleagues during the day, but mostly I spend the time at the bench making the new creations.
DI: Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?
HK : "To thine own self be true". Be yourself, create and design with honesty. Don't try to bend in to any trend that is ongoing. You might be the one who produces the next one.
DI: What is your "golden rule" in design?
HK : Nature first.
DI: What skills are most important for a designer?
HK : My designer superpower is to interpret and fulfill my client's dreams and ideas. I love to bring the jewellery to life from the vast sea of possibilities. Customers always provide a great inspiration and starting point for design.
DI: Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?
HK : I am an old school designer when it comes to tools of design. Pen and paper. Creating 3D models from physical materials. Inspirational books. When I need computer skills or such, I contact those who are skilled in that area of expertise.
DI: Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?
HK : This is a challenge for most people working in the creative field. The work can follow you everywhere and the creative process is constant. I try to detach myself from it with the help of meditation and forest hikes.
DI: How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?
HK : It depends. Some occasions the design presents itself and is almost completely ready as it emerges, but sometimes the birth is a lot linger and exhausting. You can never tell how it goes!
DI: What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?
HK : Most commonly people want to know how I come up with these designs, how I can invent a new design again and again.
DI: Who are some of your clients?
HK : Mostly individual clients who wish to commemorate or celebrate an occasion by preserving the moment in a piece of jewellery.
DI: What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?
HK : Unique custom work is the dearest to me, and over time, the focus of my jewellery making has naturally shifted to them. Creating something new and finding the innermost of the client who will wear the jewellery piece, and reaching their visions is always a great experience.
DI: What are your future plans? What is next for you?
HK : I am looking for international collaboration with stylists, fashion designers and costume designers in film industry to create custom and statement jewellery for galas, movies, fashion shows and red carpets. Dresses, gowns and suits are designed and modified to celebrate and fit the fashion occasion and the wearer. Matching jewellery and fashion accessories need not be found, instead they can also be made alongside with the clothing to match, fit and possibly even blend with the ensemble. This is my area of expertise, this is what I live and breath.
DI: Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
HK : I create the designs myself, but I usually design jewellery together with the client. There are no specific designs they should choose from, but the jewellery and collections are made as unique, purpose-built individuals to fit their needs and specifications.
DI: How can people contact you?
HK : It is easiest to contact me via social media, for example in Instagram (instagram.com/hanna_k_design) or by email at hanna@hannakorhonen.fi.