Claudia Westhaus

Jewellery maker

©CharlotteSchreiber

©Michael Marczok

A silver garden

Claudia particularly likes sterling silver
She works metal like paper
Her pieces are complex and playful

If one were to summarise Claudia Westhaus’ art, it would be, in her own words “making the technically impossible possible.” Whilst she uses traditional jewellery techniques acquired during an apprenticeship and several university degrees from London Guildhall University and the Royal College of Art in London, she likes to push their limits. To Claudia, the process of making and the treatment of material do not underlie any set rules, but rather the idea behind a particular piece. Sterling silver is Claudia’s material of choice as it emphasises the lightness and ease of her designs. Located in the House for Arts, Design and Crafts named Koppel 66 in Hamburg, her workshop is open to anyone who would like to browse and see her creation process.

Interview

©CharlotteSchreiber

©CharlotteSchreiber

Do you remember when you wanted to become a goldsmith?: Without exactly knowing the profession, I instantly knew. It was like an inner calling when I heard about jewellery making for the very first time at the age of 13. Always passionate about designing and making since childhood, I have never questioned becoming a goldsmith since.
What are your sources of inspiration?: They are always linked to structures and forms of nature, including weather phenomena, such as rain or wind. However, I transform these shapes into abstract elements which can be reminiscent of many things, giving my pieces a mysterious aura open for interpretation.
How do you proceed when crafting?: I dream of jewellery. My arms are the elongation of my thoughts. Designing is a very emotional part with loads of trials and errors. An idea becomes a sketch, sometimes a model, but most times I work directly with metal.
What does well made mean to you?: It is when a piece of art is well executed and every detail expresses a conscious decision contributing to the greater idea. But most of all, it is when an object has the potential to become a classic.

Claudia Westhaus is an expert artisan: she began her career in 1983