Carolina Gomes
she/her
Carolina Gomes is a queer jewelry artist. She was born in Brazil (1986) and resides in San Francisco/CA. She earned her graphic design BA from UEMG. After 12 years of career as a graphic designer, she started studying jewelry in 2016. She learned goldsmith techniques at Escola Mineira de Joalheria (BR) and attended Núcleo Joalheria and Algures classes. New York City Jewelry Week NYCJW included her in the Here We Are initiative. Her work has been exhibited in Museu A Casa, Brazil Jewelry Week, Galeria Alice Floriano, Bienal Latinoamericana de Joyería Contemporanea, Munich Jewellery Week, Stockholm Craft Week, Melting Point Valencia, and Contemporania Barcelona. She has attended the American Craft Council, Renegade Craft, and Westcoast Craft fairs. In a Munich Jewelry Week edition, her jewelry was published in Current Obsession Magazine. She is part of the Artistic Jewelry Training with Jorge Manilla at the Núcleo Joalheria. And she has collaborated with Vittor Sinistra in his fashion show at Casa de Criadores (SP/BR).
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“Carolina Gomes Jewelry is a universe of whimsical handmade jewelry designed to ignite the spirit of metamorphosis and vibrant self-expression. Each unique creation is crafted in small batches using mixed media with polymer clay and resin, embodying the essence of ever-evolving beings.
Embrace your inner oddity, explore the depths of your imagination, and celebrate the transformative magic within.”
“Wild Fangs from the Garden of Tears series explores the multiplicity and fluidity of queer identities. The mask is not merely a concealment but a revelation – revealing complexities, vulnerabilities, and strength. The piece itself becomes a tactile exploration of the queer narrative – one of defiance, emotional depth, and otherness. When worn, it engulfs the wearer in an intimate embrace, crafting a barrier that shields while it empowers, allowing them to exude a confidence rooted in self-awareness and self-acceptance. The radiant colors, while exuding vivacity and passion, are juxtaposed with the somber thorns and fangs, symbolizing the amalgamation of joy and pain that typifies the queer journey. Thus, the mask becomes more than an adornment; it’s a tangible manifestation of a personal haven where one’s queer identity is celebrated in all its multifaceted glory.”
How does your work relate to the theme Adorned Serenity— How does the work function as a wearable safe space?
"The piece, while deeply personal, resonates with the collective queer experience. In a world where expressions of queer identity can be met with adversity, Wild Fangs stands as a beacon of defiance and pride. Its transformative nature – as a mask and a necklace – offers the wearer a choice: to shield their identity or wear it boldly on their chest. Thus, it operates as both a protective talisman and an audacious proclamation of one's identity.”
How do you see this piece existing in the world as a wearable safe space?
Or is this piece specific to you?
Wild Fangs. Materials: Polymer clay, resin, pigments, glow-in-the-dark pigment, metal mesh, glass ball, glass beads, water, glitter, stainless steel thread, nylon threads, 6x6x4in, 2022
"Wild Fangs: A Guide to Wearable Empowerment
Embrace: Hold the piece close, feeling its weight and texture.
Wear: As a mask to see the world through a lens of empowerment, or as a necklace, letting it rest against your heart.
Channel: Let the vibrant colors and fluid forms inspire confidence and pride in your identity.
Touch: Engage with the thorns and fangs, reminders of resilience and strength.
Illuminate: Seek out darkness, and let the green irises glow, a beacon of your enduring spirit.
Connect: Reflect on the interwoven threads, interconnectedness and community.
Breathe: Let the piece become an extension of you, a sanctuary of self-expression and acceptance."
If someone found this piece and needed an instruction manual to make the safe space work — what’s a quick how to?
“This piece emerged from collaborating with Vittor Sinistra, an independent Brazilian fashion designer. I had the privilege to create this jewelry for his runway show titled 'Cidade Monstra' (The Monster City Parade) at Casa de Criadores in SP/Brasil.”