Adel Chefridi on Inspiration

I never thought of inspiration as a personal quality but rather an ocean that we are all constantly swimming in; being inspired is our natural state. Remember when we were children? We were always inspired. Our imaginations roamed wild and we were not attached to results, it was always simple play. Then we became concerned about our image and afraid of looking a certain way. We start calculating, thinking, and considering. We build layers of isolation around ourselves. But then from time to time, a window opens up and we temporarily jump right back into that place of simple play, and for a little while, everything looks clear. We run wild again and for those moments, we have a familiar feeling that this is who we are.

We then start learning that there are certain things that will help open that window. For me, revisiting childhood moments always feels good. Being around beauty is heart opening. Seeing people try my pieces on lights up my imagination. Working on special projects, either with a customer or with my team in the studio, never fails to spark ideas. My favorite things to play with are undoubtedly gemstones. I feel so lucky to have the ability to be present to so much beauty and life. When designing a piece of jewelry, it seems both like a challenge to let your imagination go freely and to present the gemstone’s own voice, while not diminishing its presence. At moments, however, you find a place where it all comes together like a spontaneous dance.