🌿 Artist Spotlight: Decomp | A Conversation with a Multi-Talented Maker

At CY Design Studio, we’re endlessly inspired by artists who live and breathe their craft—those who turn raw materials into meaningful, wearable stories. Today, we’re excited to feature the incredibly talented maker behind Decomp on Etsy, a self-taught artist whose work ranges from silversmithing and sewing to realism illustration and woodworking. Her passion for nature and deep connection to handmade artistry shine through every piece she creates. From casting natural materials in sterling silver to honoring centuries-old traditions with a modern twist, she’s crafting more than jewelry—she’s capturing moments in metal.

Let’s dive into her story.

Nina, tell me about yourself. 
I am a self-taught artist and designer, driven to continuously create something new since I was young. I possess skills in realism illustrations, painting, leather work, wood work, sewing, and jewelry making. Silversmithing has become my current obsession. Nature serves as a great inspiration for my artwork, as I tend to incorporate earthy materials, colors, textures, and tones in my creations. My aim is to inspire others to perceive nature with the same awe and fascination that I do.



When did you first start creating?
From a young age, I've always had a crafty spirit. As a child, I spent my free time designing paper outfits for dolls and crafting paper jewelry. As I matured, my ideas and aspirations did too. I started on my creative journey by making things for myself; if I spotted a piece of jewelry, clothing, or art that piqued my interest, I would challenge myself to create it rather than purchase it. This led to more original designs that I was eager to share with others. I took the plunge and began posting my creations on Etsy, discovering that many people appreciated my work! That sense of joy and connection is what continues to fuel my passion for creating and sharing my art.

How did you discover your talent?
Throughout the years, my interests have spanned many creative mediums, but the foundation was laid with drawing. My attention to detail, along with a desire to capture realism while also exploring design concepts, allowed me to translate my ideas from my mind to paper easily. This perfectionist mindset proved useful as I learned to fabricate various items. About a decade ago, with the endless resources available online, I began working with silver; a craft that has truly resonated with me. My passion for silversmithing as a hobby has continued to grow, leading to the expansion of both my skills and my tool bench. The journey from sketch to finished piece is incredibly rewarding, and it has become a significant part of my creative expression.

How do you get inspired?
As an avid lover of the outdoors, I am always in awe of nature's artistry, which has become my primary source of inspiration. When I first began silversmithing, my designs leaned towards industrial minimalism, characterized by geometric shapes and raw textures. However, as I evolved as an artist, I started adding more natural elements into my work. I use earthy materials and tend to incorporate organic textures and motifs whenever possible. Casting organic material in solid sterling silver forever captures the beauty of nature which I then turn into wearable pieces of art. Each creation has a blend of industrial aesthetics and the essence of the natural world.

What’s the most rewarding part of running your own creative business?
The greatest reward is the freedom to conceive my own designs and the joy of knowing that others appreciate them just as much as I enjoyed creating them. Many of my pieces are ones I would proudly wear myself (which I've made quite a few for my own collection) so it’s incredibly fulfilling when someone chooses to include my work in theirs. Additionally, I accept commissions, which allows me to bring a customer’s dream piece to life, which is one of my favorite challenges! It’s truly an honor to work with individuals who entrust me with crafting special keepsakes and meaningful gifts for their loved ones.

What are you currently working on?
I just finished a large statement ring for Danaca Design Studio's 'Battle of the Rings' and my ring was accepted! I'm very excited to participate in the contest. My ring, 'Charivari' draws inspiration from 19th-century Germanic charivari chains, which consisted of an assortment of talisman charms attached to a heavy watch chain, traditionally worn on belts. These amulets, often trophies from successful hunts, were believed to bring good luck and were cherished heirlooms passed down through generations. The term "charivari" is derived from the Latin word "caribaria," which translates to madness, mess, commotion, or pandemonium; accurately reflecting the variety of metal, stone, and organic trinkets hung together on these chains. In creating this ring, my goal was to capture that feeling while presenting a more modern and sleek look. Each of the natural treasures adorning this ring were either discovered in nature or selected from vintage items in my personal collection. Each one showcases unique elements that continually inspire my artistic journey. Additionally, the ring shank was fabricated so it can also be worn as a pendant necklace. 

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Whether you're an artist yourself or simply someone who appreciates thoughtful, handcrafted work, it's easy to get lost in the richness of her creative world. Every piece she makes tells a story—rooted in tradition, shaped by nature, and brought to life with incredible care.

Follow along and support her journey here:

Etsy Shop: https://decomp.etsy.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/decomp_etsy/
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/decomp/