In this episode of the BAJ Podcast: Lockdown Series, BAJ talks to the authors of the research paper ‘Digitally Produced Jewellery: Tactile Qualities of the Digital Touch‘ on what the future is for jewellers in an increasingly digital world.

Darja Popolitova is an artist, lecturer and PhD student at Estonian Academy of Arts. Darja’s practice includes contemporary jewellery, digital craft and video. Recently, Darja participated in exhibitions at the Museum Arnhem in Holland (2020), Art and Design Museum in New York (2019), the Kunstnerforbundet gallery in Oslo (2018). Darja is represented by the following galleries: Marzee in Nijmegen, Beyond in Antwerp, and Door in Mariaheide. Her work is included in the collection of the Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design, Museum Arnhem and also in private collections. Her work was awarded the scholarships of the Ministry of Culture and Adamson-Eric in 2018. She also received the Young Jewellery scholarship in 2015.

Sofia Hallik is a jewellery artist, designer and PhD researcher at the Estonian Academy of Arts. In her doctoral thesis Sofia studies the influence of digital technologies, such as 3D modeling and printing, on jewellery, which is one of the most ancient arts and crafts. Sofia is also a founder of jewellery brand SOMA, which blends craft traditions with modern and digital technologies. From the brand’s inception in 2016, Sofia has pursued one aim – to create unique and sustainable jewellery, which is sourced and manufactured to highly ethical standards.

As professionals in the jewellery industry are forced to break with their usual routines, BAJ has been looking at the alternative ways in which jewellers can continue working. And what better time than now to discuss them? In our dedicated Lockdown podcast series, BAJ and guests will cover a range of topics providing insights those in the jewellery field navigating this difficult time.