After the gold rush

MANILA, Philppines - Dig this scene: if Louise Bourgeois’s “Maman” sculptures were transformed into cuffs infused with heavy-metal spikes and semi-precious gems, or Baroque pearls in primal and ethereal forms, one would get sculptural jewelry that draws in a world of contrasts, magical themes and even the grand artillery of warriors — exactly what sculptor and jewelry designer Michelline Syjuco fashions.

Art couldn’t possibly disappear from Michelline’s so-called life with a puff of cigarette smoke or a shot of the Green Fairy elixir, absinthe. It’s ensconced in her heart, soul and mind, creativity running in her blood as thick as the DNA river it contains, being the daughter of experimental artists Cesare and Jean-Marie Syjuco.

Back in the grunge era of the ’90s, the eldest daughter of the Syjuco clan was one fourth of experimental rock band Faust together with her equally talented siblings. Her penchant for all things unconventional and avant-garde started when she made her own outfits and accessories, meanwhile handling lead vocals for the band.

More evidence of her artistic roots can be seen in her first wearable sculpture made from a Nestlé Cream tin can and amethyst stones. Who says heavy metal and precious gems don’t mix? Perhaps this was her calling: to fuse jewels with unexpected materials, creating sculptural beauties.

“People raved about it and National Artist Napoleón Abueva encouraged me to pursue this path and come out with a whole line,” explains Syjuco. A year and a half later, she came out with her first one-woman solo exhibit called “Armadillon” at Mag:net Bonifacio High Street.

An achievement that earned Syjuco a place on the short list of this year’s Ateneo Art Awards, with signature pieces like the Armada cuff (the first brass piece she made for herself) and the best-selling Amazonia cuff with gold and pearls, it just proves that she sticks to the uncharted path, taking huge risks in playing with materials and gleaning elegance from unexpected sources to mix new and old, high and low, glam and personal touches.

“As an artist, I see the beauty in ordinary things. I am more open to the different possibilities that each material can offer. I don’t concern myself with conventions and rules,” shares Syjuco. “I use discarded materials like bullet shells, cans, broken trinkets, spikes, studs, gnarly pearls, glass shards, acetylene burns, etc. that many jewelry designers would find strange.”

Her fascination with unconventional materials like bullet casings, talismans and amulets started when she was young girl. Her mom would drag her down to Quiapo, an area known for local folk remedies and other mythological cures, where materials were procured for her father’s art works. A strong influence from this is seen in her freestanding sculptures and wearable pieces, in the hopes of turning them into powerful objects as well.

Syjuco’s designs are avant-garde yet organic-looking fashion statements that could’ve come from Middle Earth. The trick she mastered was finding a balance between unusual combinations, arousing a desire for uniqueness. A string of inspiration comes from her modern-day warrior husband, fairytales and sorcery flicks like Conan the Barbarian, The Beastmaster, animated classics like He-Man and Thundarr the Barbarian — resulting in the interplay of futuristic and medieval elements, creating a hybrid of sorts as she welds abstract and amorphous shapes into metal sculptures.

“I am a fan of fantasy and adventure, sword and sorcery, as well as science fiction. All of these elements have influenced my pieces and my style,” says Syjuco. “My work process and materials aren’t traditional, so I suppose that’s what makes my pieces exciting and avant-garde. The fact that I’m doing something new and innovative, that’s uniquely my own.”

For the “Triad: An Approach to Futurism” launch, which opens on Oct. 22, 6 p.m. at the Firma Greenbelt 3 store in Makati, Michelline — together with other jewelry designers Paul Syjuco (a distant cousin) and Kristine Dee — take on “Futurism” as their theme. Not only will there be a performance-art session, but Cyrille Soenen of Restaurant Ciçou will also be creating pastries based on the collections.

So expect edgy, smart, sexy hand-beaten metal bib neckpieces, irregularly shaped cuffs, daring statement rings and funky head pieces dazzling with semi-precious gemstones and pearls, which make Syjuco’s jewel works of art pair well with just about anything, and are   a savvy way to reinvent even the simplest outfit.

Each of Syjuco’s pieces is truly a unique creation. Her handmade accessories use bold colors and geometric shapes in a modern twist on art deco royalty, suitable for both casual and fancy affairs. By making use of unusual materials from agate stones to gnarly pearls, the sculptor-jewelry designer creates compelling masterpieces that can’t be duplicated.

Standout statement rings in hand-sculpted sterling silver dipped in gold include: Apocrita (a hexagon shaped ring with round amethysts and white cubic zirconia with much emphasis given to the ant wearing a crown); Paradox (carved edges encrusted with tiny steel spikes and a dashing cubic stone); Matahari (tiny gold balls accentuated with a beautifully-shaped Pyrite); while the Almond ring with agate showing its inner core is also an exceptional piece.

Another thumbs-up goes to the hand-beaten bib necklaces that focus on metal mixtures with agate, a healing stone that is highly valued as a talisman or amulet in ancient times. Of course, Syjuco’s collection would not be complete without her signature cuffs, accentuated with burned edges for more gnarly and chunky statement pieces like the Amazonia and Armada, which are hard-hitting but offer a more refined rather than tough-girl look.

“Since I do not have any formal training in jewelry design, I do things by trial and error to achieve different effects for my pieces, which make them unique. I like to think of what I do as an adventure wherein I don’t stick to formulas, especially tried and tested ones,” concludes Syjuco. “I enjoy the challenge of creating new processes as well as new and never-before-seen pieces. That’s what gets my blood pumping, and that’s my motivation for doing what I do.”

How to choose is the question. The plethora of bejeweled blitz and baubles oozes with an eclectic vibe, allowing you to go gothic, add drama, or channel your inner rock goddess. But one thing is for sure: Syjuco molds a compelling androgyny with otherworldly beauty into spectacularly imaginative creations that have an avant-garde backbone and tough metal exterior, made from totally down-to-earth materials.

And if this collection doesn’t celebrate individuality, then I don’t know what does. Reminds me of how young British artist Tracey Emin got thrown out of a Louise Bourgeois art-establishment dinner for meowing too loud.

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For information, visit www.michellinesyjuco.com, e-mail michellinesyjuco@gmail.com, or text 0906-3150089.