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Interview by Ivi Vassiliou for Cue Magazine – 27/03/19
What we wear is always a choice. It often reveals our lifestyle or character. Exactly the same applies when we create something. Eugenia Maofi was inspired to design and craft Dots. Art for all – jewelry that draws its uniqueness and strength from Braille writing and dreams of equality, love, and hands held tightly together along life’s journey. She spoke to us about her path leading to the creation of her original brand, about what it stands for and what it strives for, as well as the joys it has given her and those she still hopes to achieve.
How did jewelry design and making come into your life? What kept you going?
Two things I remember enjoying since I was little: creating jewelry out of pine needles, pebbles, and shells, and helping my classmates with their homework by playing “school” – and of course, I was always the teacher. Both of these stayed with me for life.
I studied Psychology and have been working in Special Education for 23 years. I support people with learning difficulties and other disorders so that they can be included in society. At the same time, I began taking courses in handmade jewelry and silversmithing 13 years ago. Jewelry-making and accessories were my hobby until the idea for Dots came to me – the idea of designing and crafting jewelry in Braille and Sign Language. An idea with a dual purpose: on the one hand, to carry messages–words–values I believe in, and on the other, to do so through alternative forms of writing and communication. That night when the idea came to me will remain unforgettable! I couldn’t sleep from excitement. By morning, I had already found my brand name and decided this was going to be my next act of protest. Dots. Art for all would be my voice…
Because for me, the meaning of life lies in diversity and its acceptance, in equality, dignity, friendship, love, and joy.
Where do you draw inspiration for your designs?
From dots, handshapes, lines, and geometric figures that I often scribble in my notebooks. My designs are as minimal as the Braille code itself. These raised dots that so discreetly contain the power of an entire writing system fascinate me.
Why does Braille move you so much?
Because such a tiny dot can be so miraculous! It can be the beginning of an entire writing system. Because it is also the language of touch—the very first language we learn when we are still curled up in a fetal position. And because Braille is not just a medium of writing and literacy; it represents the right to independence and equality!
Why is it important to support diversity?
Because respecting and accepting diversity helps create societies founded on equality, mutual respect, and fair treatment. Only these values can shape civilized societies. Therefore, we all must contribute in this direction: resist racism and accept others regardless of their IQ, age, gender, race, skin color, traits, or preferences.
What has shaped your aesthetic so far?
I always remember that when I had to draw, I preferred clean lines and shapes. In general, I also express myself in few words—short and concise. My character, combined with the symbols, dots, and meanings we use in Special Education as alternative means of communication, probably contributed to the development of a minimalist aesthetic. One where simplicity and clarity prevail, creating a calm and functional result.
How do you imagine the people who choose your jewelry?
Hmm, good question. Well, I imagine the people who choose my jewelry identify with my beliefs. They are young people, regardless of age. Because “young” is the one ready to tear down the world in order to build a better one, as Kazantzakis beautifully said. So, I imagine they are fresh, modern, liberal, and progressive people. They like simple, clean, refined lines, are excited by the idea of a hidden message encrypted into their jewelry, and want to give meaning to what they wear.
Do you have a favorite piece? If yes, which one?
It’s hard to single one out. Each piece I create feels like a favorite at that moment!
What have been the difficulties and the greatest joys so far?
My biggest difficulty was the transition from the carefree hours I spent in my attic doing my hobby, to the professional setup of my brand so that it could reach the outside world. Social media, e-shop, methods of promotion and publicity—these have always been and still remain a difficult part for me to handle, in addition to the creative side of design and craftsmanship. But the joys are many. One of them is when people encounter my jewelry for the first time and I see them become moved! Then, the joy of this idea finds companions and grows. When people with a disability happen to come across them, I see a small bridge being built in front of them as they realize there are people who recognize and embrace their language. When people with visual or hearing difficulties message me to ask for a piece of jewelry in their language, crafted as a gift for their partner. And there are so many other powerful moments that Dots has given me.
What are your plans for the future?
Generally, I don’t make long-term plans. What I want to see, day by day, is Dots. Art for all placing a small stone in the effort to change this world… and for people who feel different to finally feel accepted. By combining minimal design with a social message, I want Dots. Art for all to contribute to social awareness and bring a little joy to each person who buys them. Because jewelry doesn’t make us happy—but our way of thinking and acting can. What can make us happy is the meaning we give to our style and to our life!
Find Dots. Art for all
– on their website
– on Facebook
– on Instagram
