Bettina Gomez-Latus

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Bettina Gomez-Latus ("BG") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

BG : After completing my Abitur, my focus became art, in particularly drawing and I was privileged to be a personal guest at Willi Schmidt, the State College of Fine Arts - Städelschule – Frankfurt am Main for two semesters. Shortly thereafter, I was able to begin my training as a goldsmith with the Theoretical Education at the State Art Academy in Hanau with a practical workshop experience at the Vocational Training Center of the Rhine Chamber of Commerce in Frankfurt am Main. I then spent some time in Vienna with the jewellery designer Anna Haindl, some in Munich with goldsmith master Bernhard Kiefer and finally in Frankfurt am Main with jeweller Friedrich and jeweller Hessenberg. In 1993, it was finally time to take the step into self-employment. Since then my unique pieces have been presented in several national and international exhibitions. In 2000, I opened Artemisa Galerie für Schmuck und Design GmbH in Oberursel, representing various well-known jewellery designers. After the birth of our daughter, however, I decided to close the gallery and set up a studio on our premises to allow me more time for my family.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

BG : My passion for jewellery was born in England, Devon Totnes, when I was 14 years old. I went to a boarding school where I studied design, art, sculpture and goldsmithing. The combination of craftsmanship and design taught there has been a fascination for me ever since.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

BG : It was my own decision to become a jewellery designer.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

BG : I work in the field of jewellery design and love to design any type of jewellery.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

BG : Young designers should above all believe in their talent, have fun at design and work a lot.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

BG : Knowing the latest techniques and experience, never losing a sense of creativity and originality to produce timeless pieces.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

BG : Good design must be functional and reduced to the essentials in its own way. Above all, it should remain current for many years and a pleasure to look at.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

BG : Objects with good design do not have to be changed again and again. They should be made of high-quality materials and therefore durable for long years. Good design costs knowledge and time but gives great rewards.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

BG : I always love to design jewellery. I would like to design jewellery for the famous Companies Tiffany or Cartier, or even develop jewellery for quite different brands like Coca Cola, which are currently not in the jewellery business.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

BG : I would love to continue the development of BEGOLA and the exclusive Begols (Charms) to fulfill the vision I have for them.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

BG : Have fun designing and do not be afraid of challenges.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

BG : There are many different designers who have influenced me with one or more pieces of jewellery. I could not nominate just one designer who has influenced me, as inspiration comes from the exposure to many different things.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

BG : The clamping ring from Niessing is legendary as the processing of the various precious metals amongst each other is unique.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

BG : My "infinity version" of a large facetted vermarine (green quartz) prasiolite droplet. The mount and the loop of the pendent is held by a single thin round wire. Nothing affects the beauty of the stone. The shape of the jewellery is reduced to the shape and yet wonderfully soft in shape and outstanding to wear.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

BG : I have worked constantly to strive to improve myself. I await criticism from others to ensure that I am the best I can be.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

BG : This is a difficult question, because jewellery design is my passion and I cannot really imagine doing anything else. Biology interested me after my Abitur, or perhaps show business...... I could imagine having landed in a theater or film world as a stage manager.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

BG : I like the pleasure of touching good design. It must be perfect optically and functionally effective and tactile, without being produced at the expense of the environment!

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

BG : My biggest supporter is my family, my husband, my mother and my daughter.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

BG : The constant criticism of my family and a belief in myself.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

BG : The lack of sufficient money to implement the design fully.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

BG : Always perfect without to many frills

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

BG : I am developing new engagement rings, I do not want to tell you more. An exciting project.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

BG : To surprise people with our products and to become known all over the world.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

BG : Perfection and a great deal of feelings.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

BG : Producing well designed products, without wasting the worlds resources.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

BG : I am currently working on a very colorful series of rings, with a new technique and great gemstones.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

BG : My Loop Design Series: It is wonderfully comfortable to wear....... like a feather to the owner.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

BG : More designs with longevity.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

BG : I have no idea. As ever, the car industry is very strong.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

BG : It can take from a few days to many months.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

BG : In the morning after drinking a coffee and going for a walk with our dog.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

BG : See the beauty in life.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

BG : It would be nice if design sets the trends. Often however, it is the other way around.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

BG : Technology plays a very important role in my design. Without knowledge of the technology possibilities, designs could not be realized.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

BG : CAD with 3D plot.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

BG : The colours of precious gemstones or enamel and the combination with the precious metal play a vital role in the design of jewellery. It is these interactions which are fundamental to the creativity of a design.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

BG : Actually, I just want people to wear and enjoy my jewellery with pleasure and not ask about the design.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

BG : Wow, great! Why did I not think of that?

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

BG : Yes, I can imagine working with a timepiece, pocket or fashion designer for a project.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

BG : My family.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

BG : "Color from the Fire" by Simone Rößler.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

BG : I read a lot and like to try new techniques.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

BG : René Lalique

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

BG : I do not feel famous, yet I am very happy and proud to have won my first Design prize.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

BG : Favorite color: pink Favorite place: the kitchen table in our home Favorite food: salmon with salad Favorite season: late spring and autumn Favorite: RAL D2 card slots and the iPad from Apple Favorite Brand: BEGOLA

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

BG : Often while designing, our family cat "Martha", first strokes my legs, then jumps onto my lap, purrs and finally sits on my design sketches on the kitchen table. She forces me to take a break and reflect on what I am creating. She seems to have an influence on my designs.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

BG : The best days are the days when all in the family are healthy and happy and started the day with a smile. It is truly is inspiring!

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

BG : No, not at all. Only the wish, was already there!

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

BG : If we are lucky and humanity does not destroy everything it is living on, the world should remain a wonderful blue planet on which all life can live happily. It is unfortunately, only a great wish and deep hope!

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

BG : Jewellery must be fun and straightforward. It is meant to convey the joy of life, to remember beautiful moments. Above all, however, it should underline the charisma and thus the personality of the wearer.