Inside the Studio

Inside the Studio with Inés Bonadeo

NOT JUST A LABEL HAS INVITED DESIGNERS TO OPEN THE DOORS OF THEIR STUDIOS TO GIVE THE WORLD AN INSIDER VIEW ON HOW THEY SUPREMELY CRAFT THEIR COLLECTIONS: WELL, WE FOUND SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST A WINDOW INTO REAL CREATIVE SPACES. EXPECT TO BE INSPIRED FROM AN INTERIOR DESIGN PERSPECTIVE AS WELL AS BE IN AWE OF HOW CONTEMPORARY DESIGNERS THRIVE IN THEIR OWN EFFORTLESSLY COOL WORLD.

Discover the enchanting world of Inés Bonadeo Nueva Joyería, nestled in the heart of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Inés' studio is housed in a 120-year-old house, exuding a unique charm creating a sense of community among artists. Within the studio's workspace and showroom, Inés and her talented colleague Felipe bring their jewelry creations to life. The working space buzzes with activity, filled with tools, casting machines, and the aroma of wood and burning materials. Embark on a journey into Inés Bonadeo's world and explore her unique jewelry creations that blend tradition, craftsmanship, and a touch of enchantment.

COURTESY OF INÉS BONADEO

DESCRIBE THE LOOK OF YOUR STUDIO

My studio is a 120 year old original house with pinotea floors, calcareos ceramics and a patio with a kumquat tree. Antique houses make me happy; every ceramic tile is unique and the thick walls make it really fresh in summer (also very fresh in winter!). I live in a small community; my house is the second of five where other artists have their spaces and everybody shares knowledge and wine.

TELL US ABOUT A UNIQUE PIECE OF FURNITURE IN YOUR STUDIO

I have an antique piece of furniture with 54 little drawers full of seeds, branches, leaves and dry insects.

HOW DOES YOUR STUDIO LAYOUT ENCOURAGE COLLABORATION AND CREATIVITY?

My studio is a house, two rooms, a bathroom and a kitchen, all of them facing the patio full of plants. Of the two rooms, one is for the working space with a central two-sided bench, welding, casting and polishing machines. The working space is always messy, smells like wood and something burning. The other room is our showroom, the main wall is painted green and faces the tree in the patio. Huge branches hang from the ceiling and pieces are exhibited all over. There is a narrow stair that leads to a room where my talented friend Belén Parra (artist and custom designer) works and creates. We also have a terrace where we have lunch and some naps in the sun.

COURTESY OF INÉS BONADEO

DESCRIBE THE TOOLS THAT OCCUPY YOUR STUDIO

Big double-sided bench with three tool panels: pliers, hammers, saws in one, files and rulers in another and casting props in the third. Drill and accessories, many non-working pens and pencils, drawing surfaces and metals scraps everywhere.

COURTESY OF INÉS BONADEO

HOW DOES YOUR DYNAMIC AS A TEAM CONTRIBUTE TO THE SUCCESS OF YOUR JEWELLERY-MAKING PROCESS?

The team is composed of Felipe and myself. I design and have meeting with clients, Felipe deals with providers and delivery. We work together on the production of each piece we make. He is great with creative solutions, I am very good at interpreting clients taste.

COURTESY OF INÉS BONADEO

HOW DO YOU CREATE AN INVITING ATMOSPHERE IN YOUR STUDIO?

I always have some music on, doors are open to friends and colleagues and Palo Santo wood is being burnt. My working space is my home, very personal and open. I try to keep plants and visitors as happy and nurtured as i can. I always have cold beer in the fridge.

DESCRIBE THE STUDIO VIBE AND ATMOSPHERE IN A FEW WORDS:

Messy, relaxed, antique, handcrafted, dusty, and magical.

WHAT BOOSTS PRODUCTIVITY IN YOUR STUDIO?

A good mood, fluent communication, and having a mate around at all times.

COURTESY OF INÉS BONADEO

TELL US ABOUT THE SUSTAINABILITY MEASURES YOU HAVE IN PLACE

We use all the scraps of metal we can, and we work with recycled gold and silver that clients bring.

IF YOU HAD A MAGIC WAND, WHAT WOULD YOU ADD OR CHANGE ABOUT YOUR STUDIO?

I truly love it the way it is.

COURTESY OF INÉS BONADEO

DO YOU HAVE A FAMOUS QUOTE THAT CAPTURES THE ESSENCE OF YOUR WORK ETHIC?

‘Que el miedo te tenga miedo - May fear be afraid of you,’ by Oscar Bocassi (jewelry teacher, neighbor and dear friend).

WHAT DO YOU EAT IN A DAY?

Homemade food for lunch: salads, pies, pasta or Milanesa.

WHAT ARE YOUR GUILTY PLEASURES?

Palmeritas in the morning and a barbecue once a month. We do not feel guilty about that at all.

COURTESY OF INÉS BONADEO

DO YOU HAVE ANY PET PEEVES THAT YOU AND YOUR TEAM SHARE IN THE STUDIO?

We always loose lighters and find them in our pockets back at home.

DESCRIBE A RECENT FUNNY MOMENT THAT HAPPENED WHILE YOU WERE WORKING

My nephew Pedro (2 years old) came to visit me and wanted everyone in the family to wear crowns for the entire evening.

Shop contemporary jewellery

20 June 2023

THE NJAL TEAM