Vladimir Markin creates jewelry that transforms, plays games and lives its own life. Technical perfectionism and his own way of looking at things distinguish each of his works, be it incredibly complex surprise earrings, amber lollipops or pencil cufflinks.
Jeweler Vladimir Markin
Vladimir Markin was born and raised in Moscow. He graduated from the Serov Art School, entered the Stroganov Academy, from there he left to learn the skill in practice. Since 1999, he has worked for large jewelry companies, including Carrera y Carrera. To find application for his ideas, he began an independent career.
Today, the name Markin is a brand in itself, although several trademarks are registered for Vladimir. In 2010, he founded Markin Fine Jewelery and became its chief designer and art director. Many popular jewelry and collections were created during this period.
At the end of 2016, Vladimir left the company to develop his other projects. Now he is working on new collections as an independent artist and jeweler, and on his website www.vladimirmarkin.com he explains: “I returned to independent work, remembering that you should choose only what brings pleasure and happiness.”
Vladimir Markin is a member of the Moscow Union of Artists. In 2009, he became a laureate of the Triumph Prize, and in 2016, a laureate of the Rossiya. 21st century” Gokhran of Russia.
Markin’s author’s mission is laconic: “I want to do not stupid things.” Against the background of almost identical “designer” jewelry, he prefers to create something with character – let it be provocative or funny, but always evoke emotions.
At the end of 2017, Vladimir, together with his wife and partner Anna Groysman, launched a new project-constructor “Ushki” – a mixture of minimalism and Japanese anime.
“Business card”
There is a whole trend in jewelry art called kinetic jewelry – jewelry with moving parts. Its representative is Michael Berger, whose kinetic rings literally “dance” on the wearer’s hand. And the Japanese master Buchin Yoshioka “revives” precious butterflies, dragonflies and beetles.
In Russia, the topic of kinetics was raised and revealed in his own way by Vladimir Markin. Because of the moving elements and mechanisms that are activated by a secret button, his work is often referred to as “jewelry mechanics”, or “micromechanics”. The author himself prefers not to define his style in any way, but admits that the mechanics help to achieve the desired effect.
“I hope I have already lived through the moment when I did mechanics for the sake of mechanics, paying less attention to the aesthetic part. I realized that not everything that moves is necessarily beautiful, ”explains Vladimir.
Collections
Markin makes everything: rings, earrings, pendants, cufflinks, necklaces, bracelets, brooches, pendants. The choice of materials depends entirely on the task. The basis can be gold, silver, precious stones, titanium, wood – anything, as long as it inspires and suits the idea.
His first collection, which was remembered by the public, was a set called “Dry, Bottom”: funny pendants with multi-colored linen. Then came the no less original “Office” – the author himself defined it as “art deco steampunk”. All products from this collection are made in the form of pencils, paper clips, buttons and clips.
The Bridges collection consists of rings and earrings, which are complex structures with moving parts. There are a variety of bridges here, from drawbridge and suspension to arched and railway.
The “Cathedrals” collection clearly demonstrates how elegantly architecture is embodied in decorations. The foundations of world cathedrals are usually built in the form of a cross – their architectural plans inspired the author to create original pendants made of silver and white gold.
“Mechanics” is one of the most recognizable collections of Markin, bringing together his famous jewelry transformers. There are microchip cufflinks, and earrings with drops of diamond dew inside, and amazing paired Planetary Gear rings. This collection also includes the “Diaphragm” ring, for which Markin received the Gokhran Prize.
The “Stones” collection consists of sea pebbles, in which treasures are hidden. The smooth surface resembles ordinary pebbles, but is actually made of gold.
And large rings from the “Wooden” collection are made of ebony in combination with tourmalines, citrines, amethysts, chrysolites, opals.
Flora and fauna are united in a group called “Organics”. Among the jewelry are amber orange earrings, a dandelion ring, a silver coaster with bears, a precious carrot with a golden hare inside.
Buyers
Witty and ironic products of Markin are designed for those who are fed up with traditional design. Its customers are self-confident and ready to experiment people, both women and men.
Many appreciate ready-made series with a “Markinian” personality (among which there are quite affordable items made of silver with a price of 5,000 rubles or more).
