Silvio Hrnčir, an academic sculptor, born in 1982, in Zagreb, graduated from the School of Applied Arts and Design in the Department of Sculpture in 2001, and is a graduate of the class of Miro Vuco 2008, at the Academy of Fine Arts Zagreb. His love for cars, speed, mechanics and metal led him to jewelry in which he was able to combine his interests. Using lines and surfaces, in combination with the colour (patina) he created a recognizable modern-futuristic style.

ZIYP: Silvio, we know that you are an academic sculptor, how did you find yourself in jewelry? What gives you the desire to create jewelry?
Silvio: The desire to continuously be creating and designing is present in my everyday life. I enjoy the whole creative process, which is actually really fast, because from the ideas in my head I immediately begin to create and produce the final product, such as a piece of jewelry.
At a showcase collection with AMR, Lapidarium saw my work and invited me to co-operate with them and took my work in a new direction, which is now my primary work.

ZIYP: Which materials do you most commonly use in your work? Do you have a vision of the woman that will 'wear' your jewelry?
Silvio: Metal and leather are my primary materials whether it is an auto sheet or pure gold. I approach them the same way and my goal is to form.
Most commonly I use steel, aluminum, copper and brass, but for Lapidarium I work exclusively with silver and gold.
I must admit that while I am creating a piece I do not have a specific vision of a woman in mind, but I know that the women who will buy and wear my jewelry have a firm attitude and a certain amount of finesse.

ZIYP: How is the market for contemporary jewelry in Croatia? Is Croatian contemporary jewelry recognized outside of the borders of Croatia? Or are there only a few individuals who have broken through?
Silvio: This is one of the more difficult questions. I think that something is moving forward in terms of the worldwide creation of jewelry, but a lot of work still needs to be put into the jewelry market. As for Croatian contemporary jewelry, I am afraid that is not yet recognized on the world stage, but from my perspective I am, of course, trying to change that.
Our market as a whole is small, as well as the market of jewelry. One of the few places where you can buy modern jewelry is Lapidarium, with whom I have a contract, where you can find a high-quality collection of jewelry. The market expects that contemporary jewelry be of good quality and original, and will then find a buyer.

ZIYP: Is there a difference in the price and is it more favourable to buy a piece of jewelry in Croatia?
Silvio: For sure it's cheaper to buy a good piece of jewelry in Croatia because there is a big difference in the standards from country to country, according to the standards there is a price difference.

ZIYP: Where can your work be purchased? And, for the end, who is your role model?
Silvio: My silver collection can be found exclusively at the Lapidarium Gallery on Radićeva 10, in Zagreb, and at the Lapidarium on Zdenac Street 14, in Rovinj. And on Facebook and the following website, you can look up the rest of my collection:
www.sh-art.tk, www.facebook.com/Silvio.Hrncir.Art
Role Model? As a sculptor and author, my role model is Auguste Rodin.