ARTIST'S SPOTLIGHT - rita martínez
- eliane de luca peres
- Apr 6
- 3 min read
One of the things I love most about having an Instagram page is the special connections I’ve made over the years. One such connection began about four years ago when I first got to know Rita—I shared one of her stunning creations, and we’ve been chatting online ever since.
We almost met in person last year when I traveled to Paris for Goldrush, Tranoï, Curate, and the exhibition dedicated to rings at GalerieSophieetc (La Bague dans tous ses etats) where Rita’s work was on display. Unfortunately, our schedules didn’t align—but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before we finally get to share a coffee!
After a challenging period in which she fractured both wrists, Rita is back, and her new collection is on the way. I have no doubt it will be exceptional, comme d’habitude. Her designs are organic, extremely powerful, and vibrant—I’m a huge fan and proud to own two of her exquisite pieces (from the Rêverie and Divino Inferno Oxymoron collections). I wear them often and always receive so many compliments. It’s an honor!
Here you can see just a few of her stunning rings, but I highly encourage you to visit her website and explore her phenomenal collections.
Mine is a love story.
I arrived in Italy with a suitcase full of books and a child in my arms, ready to embrace a new chapter. I pursued a master’s degree in intercultural conflict resolution with a specialization in journalism. However, upon completing it, I realized it wasn’t truly my calling. As a historian, restarting my academic journey from scratch felt daunting—my previous studies were not recognized. Like many who migrate, I experienced a sense of loss and the challenge of reinventing myself. It was neither easy nor always pleasant, but with perseverance and discipline, I managed to build a life in Italy while preserving the essence of my cultural roots.
Becoming a jewelry artist was never part of my plan.
Growing up in Latin America, I was taught that education was the key to a woman's freedom and financial independence. As a child, I dreamt of becoming a dancer, but my arrhythmic nature forced me to let go of that dream. I was also drawn to anthropology, yet studying it would have required moving to Mexico—a sacrifice I couldn’t make while supporting my mother and younger siblings. Instead, my love for reading led me to history.
Now, through jewelry, I unconsciously channel my training as a historian. Research ignites an indescribable passion in me—it gives me butterflies. Jewelry is not just a medium for artistic expression; it is the crystallization of a personal vision. More than a creative outlet, it is an intense, full-time pursuit. I dedicate 8 to 12 hours a day to my craft—it is anything but a simple hobby.
Each piece I create presents a challenge: transforming my research into tangible form, experimenting with diverse materials and techniques while maintaining originality and personal style. Another ongoing challenge is balancing my deep, exploratory research with the practical demands of clients, galleries, museums, and retailers.
Currently, I am working on a new collection for Autor 2025 in Bucharest this May and hope to return to Contemporania 2025 in Barcelona this October—this time with a different spirit. Last year’s participation was a personal challenge, as I was recovering from the fracture of both wrists. The journey has been demanding, but every obstacle has reinforced my determination.
