Mamosa Lesenyeho of Pneuma Academy of Excellence awarded 4th place at 2023 Platafrica Awards

The annual PlatAfrica Awards took place towards the end of 2023 and Mamosa Lesenyeho  from Pneuma Academy of Excellence placed 4th in the Student / Apprentice category for her “Tisetsang” angel thorns neck piece. We asked her a few questions to gain insight on the inspiration of her piece, and noted a few of them below:

Can you describe the piece of jewellery you created? What was your inspiration and thought process behind it?
My piece has a feeling of modern design and was inspired by the aloe vera plant. It is notorious for its outward appearance. I made use of a peridot olive cubic zirconia stone as it emerges from inside of the aloe plant – it even shows that the bitterness of the aloe juice is actually precious as it can give you healthy skin and overall good health.

What techniques and materials did you use to create your winning piece?
I used platinum and silver metals. The piece is hand manufactured using piercing assisted by a laser machine and soldering techniques with modern nouveau art lines style, decorative motifs as they have geometric shapes on it. I used the geometric shapes that are incorporated within the decorative motifs art style.

Were there any specific challenges or obstacles you encountered during the making of the piece, and how did you overcome them?
Having to solder two metals together and working with platinum as it was my first time. Especially when making wire, it really challenged me, as platinum is way harder and has a higher melting point than silver. Learning how to heat up both metals at once and finding out which one works better so that the piece does not separate.

What advice would you give to aspiring jewellery designers who are looking to compete in similar competitions or pursue a career in jewellery making?
I definitely would like to say just go for it and don’t limit yourself. Challenge yourselves as you never know, don’t be intimidated by what you see others do and big names. Don’t decide you are not good enough, believe me you are more than enough. You are what God says you are not what life says you are and remember He created us with different talents – you will never know until you do it. Take that as an advantage of building yourself from the best people and big names and then motivate yourself from their work and aim to be like them or even better.

Are there any specific mentors, artists, or designers who have influenced your work and helped shape your creative vision?
Yes there are mentors, artists, and designers who helped me to shape my creativity which are my trainers and my bosses, as well as the support of family and friends.