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24.05.2023
#bayernkreativPORTRAIT: We are delighted that we were able to enable Carolina Martinez to take part in this year's KREATIV Garage start-up program at OM7. Naturally, we took this opportunity to ask Carolina a few questions. The goldsmith, designer and founder came to Erlangen from Colombia via Barcelona for love and opened the first creative coworking space called "Kreativlabor". In her bayernkreatvPORTRAIT, she tells us about her work in the Kreativlabor, what inspires her as a goldsmith and designer and what expectations and wishes she has for her participation in the KREATIV Garage.
Carolina, you are a goldsmith, designer and founder of your own goldsmith studio and the creative coworking space "Kreativlabor" in Erlangen. What brought you to Erlangen and to your current companies/projects?
Love. I met my ex-husband, a German, in Barcelona, then he got a job offer near Erlangen - that's how I came to Germany. I dedicated the first seven years to my family, two children were born here and I made a conscious decision to be a mother for a long time.
My current projects arose from a creative need. In 2017, I was looking for a coworking space where I could work alongside other creatives as a goldsmith and where I could move my workshop. At the time, there was no such concept in Erlangen, so I initiated it myself.
As a goldsmith, you set up your goldsmith studio in the Kreativlabor in Erlangen. What do you enjoy about working with gold and silver?
Expressing myself through metal and working with fire - that's my passion. My collections have their own story, they are snapshots of experiences in my life that develop into a collection.
What do you attach particular importance to in the creative process and the resulting piece of jewelry?
Originality. My aim is to differentiate myself from other brands through my designs so that people recognize KREAIA jewelry by its authenticity and its own style.
Kreativlabor is a creative coworking space in Erlangen. Can you explain exactly what that means and how it works?
The Kreativlabor is a multifunctional space.
We are a coworking space for professional creatives (designers, artists, craftspeople) or for those who are just starting out and want to try their hand at self-employment. Everyone has their own area and can design it individually, there is the opportunity to sell in our shared store and offer workshops.
We are a place where curated exhibitions by regional artists and creatives take place. We are a stage for musicians who want to share their talent with others, e.g. at concerts and at the Open Piano. In our ARTIST Talks, you have the opportunity to learn more about the work and creative process of the artists.
At Kreativlabor, you are not only active as a goldsmith. You founded the coworking space and are a curator and organizer there. What is particularly important to you when selecting and working with artists?
Definitely that the people who work or exhibit here don't do it as a hobby or to pass the time. We differ from other similar creative spaces because we all run professional projects. Another very important aspect is that the creatives who come here want to exchange ideas and interact.
What art is currently on display in the creative lab?
The exhibition "Diversity" by Renate Höfer, a dialog between textile objects and digital illustration.
As a designer and founder, you have certainly put a lot of heart and soul into your projects. What do these projects give you back?
Above all, positive exchange, I learn a lot from my coworkers or artists, they often give me a different perspective and this also leads to collaborations or great ideas!
What hurdles have you faced as an entrepreneur so far?
A pandemic, an economic recession and recently I had to give back almost all of the "emergency aid". I've also often experienced the bureaucracy in Germany as an obstacle.
You are a participant in the KREATIV Garage. What motivated you to take part in this training program?
The program is super complete, from marketing to copyright. The idea of participating with other creatives and learning about other business models is exactly my thing. I believe that if you think "outside the box", you can achieve goals with ease and joy.
Which program item/workshop in the KREATIV Garage are you particularly looking forward to?
The Re:publica festival in Berlin, with very interesting speakers and topics.
What are your wishes for the future? To what extent can the KREATIV Garage training program bring you closer to your goals?
I would like to work in a more structured way and learn methods to achieve my goals faster. I would also like bureaucracy to become less and less of a nuisance for me, which is a typical obstacle for creative people!
The Bavarian cultural and creative industries are vital, cooperative, polyphonic and relevant to the future. We introduce you to Bavarian players. What is their business model? What drives them?
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