Sculptor and jewelry designer Björn Weckström
Sculptor and designer Björn Weckström is well-known for creating a signature style that combines a clean Nordic aesthetic with organic, asymmetrical and often otherworldly forms. Professionally active as a jewelry designer since the early 1960s, Weckström’s work has been worn by various celebrities and has been the subject of more than 60 exhibitions all over the world. For the owners of the Quico collection, acquiring Weckström’s work was an integral part of a lifelong love for Nordic design. We had the chance to speak with the iconic artist and find out more about his practice.
Björn Weckström "Kilimandjaro" pendant necklace, 1974
PHILLIPS: Is there any variation in your methodology when creating jewelry or sculpture?
BJÖRN WECKSTRÖM: For me, jewelry is sculpture.
P: What inspires you?
BW: Nature, snowfalls, the sea and forms of water. Also, mythologies and future visions.
P: What is the philosophy behind your work?
BW: It depends on the work. In terms of jewelry, I want to achieve the same forms that are used in sculpture.
Björn Weckström "Kivettynyt järvi" (Petrified Lake) ring, 1977
P: Which of these selected works evoke "you" the most?
BW: The acrylic jewelry, as it was something completely new to combine silver and acrylic. Many thought this was unacceptable, but then John Lennon bought Yoko Ono one of my acrylic rings. You can still find the old Dick Cavett Show episode on YouTube where Yoko is wearing the ring. After that, it was accepted.
P: Please tell us about a few of your many defining moments and fondest memories?
BW: A major moment was to see Princess Leia wear my jewelry in the final scene of the very first Star Wars film.
Björn Weckström Pair of "Polaris" cufflinks, 1970
P: Who is your greatest influence and who do you most admire?
BW: Henry Moore.
P: How has your aesthetic evolved over the decades of working within this field?
BW: First, my works were very minimalistic but then I started to use freer forms.
Björn Weckström "Corona" necklace, 1976
P: Tell us about a few of the many wonderful things that your work brings to the world and to the people that most admire it?
BW: I am glad if my form of language makes people happy. Often my jewelry passes to new generations - and not melted down.