Biljana Klekachkoska
A Glimpse of the Invisible
This body of work evolved out of my research into the two interwoven topics of fungi and connection. There is an almost invisible underground network, a living seam through which much of the world is stitched into relation. It's called mycelium and it's much like the internet, transporting information, as well as nutrients between itself and the plants and trees with which it is related. Mycelium can be seen as an archetype of connection. When it fruits, it fruits mushrooms. In turn, some of these mushrooms have developed entheogens, psychoactive substances that induce states of altered perception and consciousness. This human mushroom relationship has a very long history in which ecstatic states have been mutually sought and provided for both healing, divination and transcendence.At the same time, I was researching the connectedness and relatedness of all there is, and how things or beings only become what they are in the process of their relationships. Like mycelium, this invisible and intangible thread is also what holds the ancient technique of filigree work together: what connects my 25 years of personal contemporary filigree practice with a much older and wider tradition and cultural heritage. My practice has been based on making the most tiny and delicate silver elements meet, hold each other and connect, creating objects that, through capturing air, hold so much more than their main metal components. This new body of work has given me the chance to reconsider, analyse and deconstruct this ancient technique and my long relationship with it. Fungi make mushrooms, but first they must unmake something else, says Merlin Sheldrake in his book Entangled Life. In a similar way, I have used this approach to “unmake” the filigree
technique and allow new ways for it to manifest in my practice.
Biljana Klekachkoska has been making jewelry for over 25 years. Her eclectic style has made her a pioneer of the new wave of revitalization and reinvention of the traditional art of filigree, with an inventive approach in the use of new techniques, materials and ways of creation. She has been very successful in making a personal mark on her pieces which results in creations with a great artistic and timeless value.
Through her work as an artist, entrepreneur and a teacher she has made significant commitments to growing a nascent culture of jewelry making and metalwork in the Republic of North Macedonia, and provided pathways for other young people to discover their passion in adornment and technique.
She recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Gemstones and Jewelry at the Trier University of Applied Sciences in Idar-Oberstein.
Through her work as an artist, entrepreneur and a teacher she has made significant commitments to growing a nascent culture of jewelry making and metalwork in the Republic of North Macedonia, and provided pathways for other young people to discover their passion in adornment and technique.
She recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Gemstones and Jewelry at the Trier University of Applied Sciences in Idar-Oberstein.
