"I believe in what I do. It is very much me. I started making jewellery at the end of 2006 after I moved to Toronto, and my first collection was carried by Holt Renfrew. Reinventing myself has been the most challenging and rewarding decision I have ever taken. My jewellery and accessories reflect my passion for organic elements and is very influenced by my career as a graphic designer -I graduated with honours and received "The School of Visual Arts Rhodes Family Award for Outstanding Achievement in Media Arts" from the School of Visual Arts, New York-, and as a photographer.
My collection grows every season and is never outdated. “I see my pieces as artwork, where there isn’t anything too outrageous”. Dandi Maestre’s sensibility and design show a very strong and engaging mix of cultures. Born in Colombia, her work is clearly influenced by her travels, whether it be in bazaars of North Africa, in aboriginal art galleries in Australia, in local markets in Port-au-Prince, the Amazon or San Blas. “Taking nature as my inspiration, I continue to explore organic shapes found in bone and driftwood, in shed antlers and amber, in coconuts and bull horns, in natural fibre and seeds, in rough emeralds and crocodile skins, in skulls and shells. I love their forms and their natural raw beauty.
Each one of my pieces is handmade from elements found in shores, rivers, jungles and forests." "I incorporate these shapes in my designs and make very large extreme pieces with a natural look and a flowing and curving appearance. I aim to elevate these organic elements, their natural color and textures to a new level of sophistication - (a combination of the Japanese design philosophy wabi-sabi: which nurtures all that is authentic by acknowledging three simple realities: nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect)".
© by Dandi Maestre
Dandi Maestre WEBsite
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