How is your craft linked to Latvia?
In ancient times, the Baltic tribes decorated themselves. Historians are increasingly gaining evidence that Baltic people had a highly developed culture, including jewellery culture. For a Baltic woman, it was not honorable to be without jewellery; they were always thinking about their appearance.
Do you remember the first piece of jewellery you made?
One of the first pieces I remember was a pair of silver earrings that I gave as a present to a dear friend of mine, who later became my wife, Sintija Šustiņa, a fashion designer. She often helps me with stylistic advice and ideas.
© Māris Šustiņš
Can you relate a career highpoint?
There have been many, but I still remember the moment when, after my solo show Raining Stars (2016), the First Lady of Latvia commissioned me to create a piece of jewellery for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, which was presented as a gift during the president's visit.
What do you love most about your work?
Probably the emotional contrast between the seriousness of working without stopping and the emotionally charged moment of celebration when you can show your work to the viewer and get back the energy you invested in it.