Patricia Rahme is a rare gem who sees beauty in the ordinary right before she transforms and gives shape to the hidden secrets hidden within. She is both, a jewelry and sculptor who is attracted to challenges and unusual ideas. She describes herself as a dreamer whose goal is to make visions real. Her true calling was revealed in 2011 during a trip to Florence where she was afforded the opportunity to visit the museum and school of Maestro Alessandro Dari, which really enchanted her. It was then and there that she decided to leave her twelve-year career in TVC production to free herself to an entirely novel adventure!
Besides design, what are you passionate about?
Reading is at the top of my list, especially works of fiction. My imagination is always rolling and these stories are the main fuel for my work, or the tools and the muse for creating new pieces.
How would you describe your design style?
My designs are daring, raw, original, and imperfect. They have a lot of details. Each design has a story to tell. My rings have character and mysterious powers. You won’t understand what I am talking about until you wear a Patrizia ring.
Could you tell us a little bit about your design process?
It all starts with an idea… and a block of wax. I do not draw my designs, I sculpt directly from wax. You cannot begin to imagine how much fun my work can be. The wax is a mystic and lenient material. You can add or remove from the design and always get astonishing results. When the wax phase is done, I cast and bring it to life with the desired metals and stones, be it gold, silver or bronze. The carving tools, motor, polisher, oxidised chemicals and plating machine are the daily tools I work with.
Being Lebanese, how has life in Beirut influenced your work?
The roughness of Beirut has influenced my work as has the “Diwan Al Falak” collection. In other words, the Arabic Calligraphy rings contained in the work became my trademark.
What was the idea behind your favourite piece?
My favourite piece is my logo. It was inspired by the Florence Cathedral and architectural structures in general as well as the rose windows specifically. It was the first ring I ever created, which can also be worn as a pendant suitable for both women and men.
Which project or period of your career have you enjoyed most so far?
I cannot describe the fun I had when I created my first ring collection “Think as a Man”! This collection consisted of 245 rings that were divided into eight categories. While I was in the process of experimenting, learning and crafting this collection, I was in such a place of creativeness that I lost track of space and time. Witnessing the birth of those rings from A to Z was one of the most enjoyable moments in my life.
What are some of the perks associated with working on your own?
Watching the faces of my clients when they lay eyes on their customised rings. It looked like they just found a treasure!
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The briefing sessions and the sculpting phases with my clients where ideas constantly flow in my atelier.
What type of brief or project do you enjoy working on most and why?
I love working on customised rings because the pieces will be derived from the person’s character. I create rings based on my client’s personality. This process allows me to break the ice by involving them in the creation process as the rings gradually become part of their daily lives.
What are you currently fascinated by and how is it feeding into your work?
Faces, hands, and animals fascinate me. Nature, specifically dead branches capture my imagination based on which I have created separate categories inspired by those elements.
What would you say is your strongest skill?
My imagination and creativity. I can have 60 ring ideas per minute.
Who or what has been the biggest single influence on your way of thinking?
My parents.
What’s next for you?
I am currently working on a totally new line of diverse pieces of art that blend several materials such as metal, wood, fabric, stones, papers… As for what is to come next, you’ll have to stay tuned for that or check out my website.
Photo credits: Reine Chahine
