"Japanese aesthetics still inspire me and partly shape my work."

small-shops: How did you get the idea to start a jewellery brand?

Marielle Morawitz: I studied art and my focus was on images: drawings, photographs - everything for the wall. At some point I was attracted to the 3rd dimension. I wanted something to touch, something that accompanies us in everyday life. My drawings were in my inner eye on dishes, clothes and jewellery. I learned different techniques. My first series was made with drawings on pendants, earrings and bracelets. And then I had tasted blood. I was no longer interested in finding a medium for my drawings. I wanted to make jewellery.

small-shops: The name Momoko is Japanese (meaning Peach child). Can you tell us what kind of relationship you have to Japan?

Marielle Morawitz: I was already fascinated by Japanese art as a child. I marvelled at woodblock prints by Hiroshige or Hokusai and practised origami or ink painting myself. When I was 16, I was able to inspire my art teacher so much that he offered me an exchange: a watercolour painting of his for an ink painting of mine. That was a great honour. Because Mr Kircheis was already an artist legend in our area during his lifetime!

Japanese aesthetics still inspire me and partly shape my work. This becomes particularly clear in my series "Pulchra Silva", in which geometry is in the foreground.

small-shops: Most of the wood you are using for your beautiful jewellery is recycled from old furniture. Were do you get this furniture from?

Marielle Morawitz: I live and work in Köpenick. Here, people simply put furniture they no longer need by the side of the road. It's often beautiful, old, real wood furniture. Much too good to be left out in the rain! Small chests of drawers in particular are easy to refurbish. Sometimes I go to a household clearance, ask carpenters or use various online platforms.

small-shops: Can you let us participate a little bit in your design and production process?

Marielle Morawitz: I have thousands of ideas in my head. I pick one out and visualise the piece of jewellery in my mind's eye. Then I draw it.

I look at the picture and ask myself: What do I need for it? What materials, tools, skills? It often happened that I even learned a new technique just to be able to realise this one piece.

The jewellery pieces are all made in my Berlin workshop. Some things, like settings or the fine filigree chains, I buy.

small-shops: Your shop is almost 4 years old, what did you learn during this time?

Marielle Morawitz: I come from a two-dimensional space and suddenly create three-dimensional things! There was a lot to learn and I am still learning. There is something immensely decelerating about working with your hands and with old goldsmith's tools. And yet my workshop is quite modern: Laser cutter, spot welder and polishing machine, working with them was also a learning process.

small-shops: How did you spend your time during the two corona Lockdowns?

Marielle Morawitz: I have many product ideas and have tried out some of them. My goal is to expand the range and also create utility items. I am currently working on a series of coloured concrete coasters and have also designed some pen and tea light holders. I have also set up a small online shop on Etsy.

small-shops: What do you expect and what do you hope fashion to be in 20 years?

Marielle Morawitz: I am excited about sustainable development and new, innovative materials. With ecological epoxy resins, it is already possible to work in an environmentally friendly way. Which new materials will save resources in the future and are degradable without residues? I am very interested in that. It suits my personality to discover and try out new things. That's why I'm excited about the development in 3D printing.

small-shops: If you could change one little thing in the world, what would it be?

Marielle Morawitz: I would give all people a content and happy inner child. Those who accept and love themselves will also treat other people and the environment with care.