Lili is a Montreal-based artisan who handcrafts jewelry. After studying in France with a ceramicist, and attending both the School of Visual Arts and the École de Joaillerie de Montréal, every piece she creates is handmade with simplicity and femininity.
What’s your background as a jeweler?
I studied at the École de Joaillerie de Montréal a few years ago, where I learned all the techniques of cutting, soldering, carving, molding, stone setting, and more. In 2017, I also acquired ceramic techniques in France, including enameling, sculpting, and polishing.
I had the opportunity to travel to some of the world’s great ceramic capitals, like Jingdezhen in China, Gifu in Japan, and Limoges in France. There, I met artisans who had mastered their craft with excellence, and I was able to learn more by working in local studios. These experiences were also a major source of inspiration through exploration and discovery.
What led you to work in this field?
When I had my first child, I began creating small pieces of jewelry that she could wear as she grew up. I realized that I had the ability to create beautiful things that people truly appreciated. That’s when I decided to keep going and turn it into my profession.
Can you tell us about your artistic approach? What inspires you?
Creating ceramic jewelry involves many steps. I start by shaping the forms, then let them dry before sanding. I then do a first firing in the kiln. After that, I apply the color and glaze, and fire them again. Once the pieces are complete—after spending an entire day in the kiln at 1400 degrees Celsius—I add 22 kt liquid gold and fire them a third time.
At first, as a new mom, my work was very much inspired by family, fairy tales, and flowers. Today, I aim to create joyful and aesthetic designs that remain modern and luxurious. My travels through Europe and Asia are my greatest source of inspiration.
What are the biggest challenges in your work?
One of the biggest challenges is constantly finding new ideas to offer pieces that are unique and eye-catching. There are also the more technical and less creative sides of the job, like accounting—which I happily delegate to my husband whenever I can!
What advice would you give to beginners in jewelry-making?
I encourage beginners to let their imagination run wild by paying close attention to their surroundings—this is often how the best ideas come to life. Don’t get discouraged if a piece doesn’t turn out the way you expected; you can always start again, and there will always be someone who appreciates each creation.
