I started off as a self-taught artist, was offered a place as a student at the National Academy of arts in Minsk, but my move to London put that on an indefinite hold, I still was taking part in exhibitions here in London which I enjoyed a lot. At some point I felt I wanted to make things that can have more contact, more resonance with real people every day, things that they can wear, things that made people a little happier, the detail, the pleasant nuance to their day.
ETHOS
Considered design with attention to the shape, structure, form and texture, using warm honest materials like silver, gold, gemstones, wood.
The Yu Stepanel pieces are about wearability and embracing imperfections, leaving the human hand behind them felt in each piece.
In my designs I refrain from unnatural edges, rather, I use flowing lines that allow the jewellery pieces almost melt and mould into your body, become part of you – as they are there to stand for who you are; like your eyebrows or your bones which you ‘wear’ without noticing, but they are there to define your posture, your face, essentially, your being.
They are for you, who takes pleasure in nuances, small details, warm pleasant materials that come from nature, and that wear on your skin well, without irritating or colouring it (like copper would do). You like doing things properly, and so expect this level of quality in things you buy, things you wear, too.
Projects
- The Essa CollectionThe ESSA collection is an ode to tango. It is created for and with tangueras in mind. The collection marries the goodness of gold, beautiful peals and free flowing, organically imperfect silver surfaces. The choice of materials and the deisgns themselves are inspired by the juxtapositions, the contrasts that make the dance what it is. Elegance – and 'mugre', which literally means dirt, grit (!) – go hand in hand.
- The Gaea CollectionThe Gaea collection loves all things bringing us back to mother nature. Each piece is individually hand shaped and cast in sterling silver to achieve the unique, organic form. Every bubble is of unique shape and size, no two items have the same pattern making for each piece’s individuality.
Work history
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Designer-makerYu Stepanel
London, United KingdomFull Time
Skills
- Jewellery Design
- Jewellery Making
- Silversmithing
- Contemporary Jewellery
- Necklaces
- Earrings
- Soldering
- Accessories Design