Based in Toronto, Canada self-taught designer and silversmith Steff Eleoff creates jewellery at an eclectic intersection of dystopic and futuristic fluidity. Drawing inspiration from a mosaic of influences, Steff’s designs are nestled within an ecosphere of playful experimentation and crafty rebellion. Her free-flowing, and naturalistic creative approach is mirrored in her final product, through drop-like silhouettes and prismatic metallics.

By organically letting her designs take shape, the nimble nature of each piece extends beyond the abstract composition of the jewellery and radiates through to the wearer. The personification of each piece propels the designer and ignites an impressionable flame by utilizing personal evolution and growth as dictators of her design.

Share with us your creative process, what inspired the concept behind your jewellery line?

It started with a heavy focus on materiality. I had an infatuation with lost wax casting, using fire and hot wax pens and watching wax melt, then letting nature take its course. Watching the wax have a mind of its own allowed it to create a language within itself. Once I started to refine those shapes, I would look to my art books and old sketches, and perfect the vision.

When you’re feeling uninspired how do you navigate that emotion? What rituals do you explore to reignite and activate creativity?

Not being able to travel or go to galleries for so long, I had to look for tangible sources of inspiration - like books. For me, being able to see things in person has been a crucial part in my creative process before even finding jewellery. When the emotion arises, I try to tap into things that bring me joy and keep me inspired to live - getting into nature, boxing, exploring places with my sketchbook, and surrounding myself with loved ones.

What do your designs reveal about your self-identity? Do you see yourself in your product?

Everything I do is based in the art of play, and the ideology of making art like a child would. Not taking art so seriously is similar to how I live my daily life.

What made you choose jewellery as your medium?

I fell into jewellery very organically, after dropping out of my Masters of Fine Arts degree where I was studying sculpture, painting, collage and Art History. I joined a studio in Toronto that had a metals department, started playing around with costume jewellery, and the rest is history. After teaching myself the techniques of a silversmith, I now only work with fine metals for all my pieces.

Your jewellery has a utopic, futuristic essence – what eras and motifs in history, art, and culture influence your vision?

From the Dada Era to Y2K and everything in between - my school background and a lot of the books I read are glimpses of art through history.

What has altered and revolutionized the way you approach design?

Everyday is different and I like to take that changing approach with my design. As I evolve, so does my work - I don't like to put myself in a box or marry an idea of what I can create. The world is limitless when you are playing.