Interview // Tekne

The label Tekne was founded in 2018 by a professional artist Jana Kuvalja in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Fine porcelain jewelry that Tekne makes is inspired by the nature and landscapes. Tekne combines minimal design with pure artistic expression to make pieces of jewelry that become wearable paintings.

Bold prime colors and gold are used on white porcelain to make jewelry that has delicate and unique interpretation of jewelry design. 

Each piece is individually shaped, carved, painted, fired and gilded by hand.



What are your life essentials/ what do you carry with you all the time?

My phone, wallet and my watch. I always carry a piece of my jewelry because it describes me so well.


Who was your most previous text/call to and what about?

It was my mom; she was asking me if I would come to her birthday cake! I said yes, of course.


Last meal you would eat?

Probably traditional Dalmatian dish shrimps on Buzara, but ask me again in the winter, I am a foodie!



Most influential person in your life?

I would have to say my boyfriend, we grew up together and seeing him change and becoming kinder and compassionate person is inspiring to me.  Throughout the years he never lost passion and belief in his work and also in life. That are the great qualities in any person that drives them forward. I admire that a lot.


Tried and true methods against creative block?

Leave everything you are working on and go do something completely different that from your regular day. New experiences are what drives the creativity forward.


What are some inspiration things, designs, artists, music, sites that you find yourself re-visiting often?

The most inspiring artist for me is Mark Rothko, I was in love in his artwork since my university days just from the pictures in the books and documentaries. A while ago I had the privilege to see a lot of his paintings in life and it is even more stunning that I could ever imagine.  
I also get inspired every day by the great number of artists, musicians and designers whose work, thanks to the technology and their willingness to share it for free, we all have a privilege to see and enjoy every day.


"NEW EXPERIENCES ARE WHAT THE CREATIVITY FORWARD".

If you could have 3 people for dinner, dead or alive, who would you invite?

Of course Mark Rothko, Peggy Guggenheim and Paolo Sorrentino, but I think it would just end with Peggy bargaining for artwork and movie rights!



Favorite cities? Why?

I have never been to a city that I didn’t like, every one has something that I enjoy. My favorite city is Belgrade where I have lived for 6 years. It’s not the most beautiful city but crazy and loud. It is is a lot of fun and I have beautiful memories and a lot of friends there.


Favorite drinks?
Water and white wine.


Likes/dislikes?

From all things I think I like the sea the most! Its color, smell and sound, which is the most relaxing thing for me. I don’t like to repeat meaningless things, especially paperwork!


SHOP THE COLLECTION HERE