Elly Cernohorsky is a recent graduate from The Central Institute of Technology, Perth, and was awarded second place in the Emerging Artist category of the 2015 Saul Bell Design Award competition. She began working in the arts as a child drawing on the walls. In high school, she focused on wood design. She gained an interest in jewelry design after a family friend recommended it to her and has since proven her skills in the craft.

WHEN DID ART FIRST COME INTO YOUR LIFE?

Art has always been a part of my life as far back as I can remember. It was a memorable part of my childhood; I was always drawing or painting or making something with my hands. And I can still remember drawing all over my newly painted bedroom door in bright crayons when I was 2 years old … oops.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE TECHNIQUE/ PROCESS?

Enameling for sure. I love the colors and effects I can achieve with it and how I can express mood and meaning with different applications of the glass. Enamel has quite a vast range of techniques, and I would like to travel and continue my studies alongside world-renowned enamelers.

WHAT DEFINES GREAT DESIGN TO YOU?

Great design to me is pushing the boundaries and creating something new and innovative. A well-designed piece/product has been completely thought out and executed in a way that reflects the passion of the artist.

DESCRIBE YOUR BENCH.

My bench is my favorite place; I can be as creative and as messy as I like!

HAS THERE BEEN A SINGLE PERSON IN YOUR LIFE THAT HAS INFLUENCED YOUR WORK IN AN IRREVERSIBLE OR UNCHANGEABLE WAY?

I actually can't pick one person … Claire Townsend and Philip Noakes are the owners of the school I attend, Contemporary Metal, and I met them when I first started studying jewelry at TAFE. I remember how engaging and enjoyable they made their classes, which is why I am still studying with them today. They have supported me from the start and are the reason why I have had the opportunities I've had. Their work is quite different in style, and I love aspects of both their designs, which have been influential to my own work since day one.

WHAT DOES WINNING THE SAUL BELL DESIGN AWARD MEAN TO YOU?

Placing second in the Saul Bell Design Awards this year was an amazing experience, and I am so happy I had the opportunity to come over for it. I met some amazing people and saw beautiful work, and I feel like the luckiest person to have been a part of it. It's really nice, when I am so passionate about what I do, to have my work recognized and appreciated by others, especially other jewelers.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW?

Now, I'm working on the design for next year's Saul Bell Awards …

IN YOUR OPINION, DOES YOUR AGE INFLUENCE HOW OTHERS PERCEIVE YOUR WORK?

I feel like people are surprised sometimes that I am so content with what I do yet am still quite young. I think I am lucky to have found a potential career I love so much, straight out of school. I work hard and am passionate about what I do, and it's nice to have that recognized in competitions. However I understand that I still have limited experience in the jewelry industry and know that there is so much more to learn.