The Future Has An Ancient Heart
Marta Ituño Jewelry
Marta’s journey as a jewelry designer is as eclectic and layered as her creations, blending influences from ancient civilizations, mythology, punk aesthetics, and the raw energy of music. A childhood filled with creativity and a deep sensitivity to beauty set the stage for her artistic pursuits, though it wasn’t until much later that her passion transformed into a thriving career.
From experimenting with Roman coins and crystals to crafting asymmetrical pieces inspired by tribal and ethnic jewelry, Marta’s work embodies a unique interplay of the old and the new. Beyond jewelry, she channels her artistic expression as a Vinyl DJ, spinning records since 2015, and finds joy in constantly pushing the boundaries of her craft. In our interview, Marta opens up about her inspirations, her connection to the Basque Country’s rich mythology, and how her teenage love for the punk movement influenced her distinct style. She also shares her insights on the challenges of balancing creativity with today’s fast-paced digital demands and her excitement for an upcoming collection exploring new textures and shapes through wax jewelry techniques.
Q: How are current trends in technology and innovation affecting your work as a creative?
M: It can be a challenge and burden. In addition to dedicating time to client commissions, new collections, photos, shipments, and my website, I also have to make space to develop myself as a "digital artist." Creatives need and should to move at a calmer and pace. It’s necessary to connect with our ideas, the intangible, and open that channel through which our work is expressed. For many artisans, it’s genuinely difficult to balance both the creative process and the digital demands, which often leave us feeling pressured to publish “valuable content.”
Q: Tell us about your creative process Marta.
M: As a restless person, I’m constantly surrounding myself with things that inspire me, books, characters, cultures, artists, etc. I mix everything, toss it all into a metaphorical washing machine, and let my designs emerge little by little. For this process, I need to feel relaxed and at peace—well-fed, well rested, and free from mental disturbances or stress of any kind.
Q: What’s your perspective on the art world?
M: To me, art is more than just visual exercises; it’s a way of connecting the intangible with the tangible. Art is everywhere—it's a bird flying or building a nest, an ant lifting an object, or an elderly person drawing. It’s a channel for expressing emotions, stories, dreams, and concepts through pieces that people can connect with, use, and treasure, often becoming heirlooms passed down through generations.
Art isn’t just about creating; it’s about connecting and being genuine, which is the hardest part. I sometimes wonder if, in today’s world, it’s still possible to create something truly new and original or if everything has already been invented. That’s why discovering work that feels truly unique excites me—it rekindles my belief in the limitless possibilities of art. At the same time, I notice a growing trend where clients seek an emotional connection with the pieces they purchase, transforming how artists approach and share their work.
The art world itself is vast, complex, and constantly evolving. However, I feel the term "artist" has been somewhat devalued in modern times. In the West, it can sometimes carry an egotistical undertone, stemming from a desire to stand out rather than a genuine creative drive. On the other hand, in non-Western cultures, I’ve seen incredible craftsmanship passed down through generations that remains undervalued and invisible, often because these artisans aren’t part of the digital or commercialized art scene. This disparity saddens me because so much extraordinary work goes unrecognized, while some individuals gain excessive attention due to their connections rather than their originality or skill.
For me, the beauty of art lies in its authenticity and its power to connect across time, space, and cultures. Recognizing and valuing that authenticity, no matter where it comes from, is crucial for the art world to truly flourish.
Instagram : @Marta.ituno.jewelry