Ximena Damián

“I realized that I could become an artist when I won a prize at school after presenting a drawing of a landscape in watercolor. When I finished school, I took a business course and start to work I worked at a company which exported Peruvian stones and handicraft in alpaca. As the Peruvian political situation turned more and more difficult, export activities were banned, so I decided to start my own jewellery business and open my own space in the local market. First, I hired an artisan jeweller; however, I realized that I could share my ideas by drawing pieces of jewellery, taking into consideration the actual trends, colors and tastes and energy. Everything I have learned about jewels and jewellery is due to the persistent work I have performed close to my artisans and the guidance obtained from the books of Pre-Hispanic styles. I created my own style of Pre-Hispanic stylized designs, which are my favorites, and also contemporary designs, a new trend which I love because they allow me to express myself in different ways. Basically, my inspiration comes from nature; for example, the shape of the mountains, the lines of the waves, and the twisting of leaves around.” *Award - 2nd National Silver Contest of Peru. Category: Jewelry. 6th Place. December 1998, Lima, Peru