“For me, the sea is a metaphor for life – life, death, eternity – and also a cure for everything,” says Angela Lago, a sea jewelry artist from Madrid, Spain. For the ongoing interview series When I Grow Up I explore multiple possibilities where the sea can take you professionally. This time it’s an artist who creates marine miracles from silver and gold for you to wear on your body. Anchor earrings, rope rings and wave pendants are available in Angela’s online store Just the Sea, where apart from her contemporary jewelry she also carefully curates a dreamy selection of things from other designers and artists that every sea lover might love: nautical clothing, sea art objects etc. You can also visit her beautiful little studio in the heart of Madrid or explore her pieces at Angela Lago Sea Jewelry.
Sailing the online sea, I learned that Angela was born by the sea – in Vigo, in the Spanish Atlantic coast – July 16th, day of the Virgin patron saint of the sea. For her, this date is a gift of fate as well as a sign of her life path. She feels marked out and blessed by her origins, linked to the sea and now seeks to honor the maritime heritage. She also loves sailing.
Our roads crossed on Instagram, when I wrote to Angela, how much I admire her art and her way of steering a sea lover’s online shop. I am a proud owner of her Underwater Anchor Earring – a robust, silver beauty, dangling above my left shoulder, making me feel like a pirate and symbolizing for me a decision to anchor here in Jūrmala and share the stories about the sea. No wonder, we found a kindred spirit in each other and I am happy to introduce Angela Lago to the Sea Library community of readers, sailors, swimmers and watergazers.
PS I highly suggest subscribing to her newsletter via Just the Sea where she always weaves in some beautiful quotes and stories about the sea… “Just the Sea is not a path of perfection, it is a path of authenticity and freedom.”
How did you become a sea jewelry artist?
My conscious journey by the sea – since 2018 – led me to a shared space with a nautical bookstore for a few years, where among many other fascinating individuals, I met my last partner, who encouraged me to believe in my talents – he saw them clearly, it was me who didn’t believe in myself. Following his encouragement, I enrolled in a jewelry school and soon realized, to my surprise, that it filled me in a way I hadn’t known before. It was like when you meet someone who isn’t your type at first, and suddenly there’s a spark. That’s what it was, a flame, that still lasts. It has changed my life, my perception of myself, and the world.
What is your favorite part of your life as an artist and as a creator of “Just the Sea”?
My favorite aspect of life is creation, exploration, play, and expanding horizons both internally and externally. It’s all about the journey.
I understand there may be some confusion between Just the Sea and my jewelry project, which I simply decided to call Angela Lago Sea Jewelry, as jewelry represents my most intimate and personal work.
What I love most about Just the Sea is creating networks, communication, and outreach, whereas with Angela Lago Sea Jewelry, I am drawn to the research and creative process. With Just the Sea, my work is more outward-focused, while with Angela Lago Sea Jewelry, it’s more intimate.
What challenges are there in making nautical jewelry?
I believe the true challenge lies in discovering an audience that cherishes both the sea and art, while also esteeming artisan…
In life, I often feel like a fish swimming against the current in ‘my sea.’ I enjoy connecting with individuals who forge their own path. I’m drawn to free spirits. The true challenge lies in reaching those individuals who, by virtue of being ‘different,’ don’t conform to the mainstream.
Has something strange, unforgettable or maybe super cool happened in your job?
For me, the most important thing that has happened is all the super interesting people I have met, both in person and virtually. That’s really cool.
Examples of people I admire and have met virtually: Anna Iltnere and Eduardo Redjul de La Mancha, a sailor and writer, among others.
At first, I admired your work and Eduardo’s, and then, unexpectedly, the contact arose. I consider that a gift from life.
What inspires you?
The sea of my childhood – the Atlantic –, and my soul’s sea – the Mediterranean – inspire me the most. I have recognized it as something that is strongly rooted in my subconscious.
My sensations, the books I read, the stories of sailors and explorers, my travels, Japanese culture…
Is there a book about the sea that you would suggest reading and why?
Only one…?
“A Sea Vagabond’s World” by Bernard Moitessier, “Hasta donde me lleve el viento” by Eduardo Redjul de La Mancha, and Corto Maltese – I adore that man, haha!
I admire the way they embody a lifestyle. They are free spirits.
What does the sea mean to you?
Hahaha, the hunted cat! For years, this was the question I asked everyone. Now, it’s my turn. Life.
For me, the sea is a metaphor for life – life, death, eternity – and also a cure for everything.
It connects me with the most spiritual side of life.
Sea Library 
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