Emil Krack

Jewellery maker

©Emil Krack

©Jesper Hilbig

The joy of imperfection

Emil twice won his jewellery school's prize for excellence
His work consciously retains the marks of manual creation
He followed his parents into the profession

It was in 2008 when Emil Krack worked on a silver spoon during an internship at his parents’ workshop. “I felt that this was 100 percent what I wanted to do and I couldn’t wait to finish school and start my apprenticeship,” he says. After another internship with gemstone carver Rüd Jerusalem & Sohn in Idar-Oberstein, he started his training as a silversmith at the public vocational school for glass and jewellery in Kaufbeuren-Neugablonz. During his training, Emil received the school's renowned Danner Preis two times, in 2013 and 2014, for his excellent creations. Since 2018 he has been working in his own workshop, continuing the family tradition and refining his unique design language that harnesses imperfection as a reminder of the creative process.

Interview

©Jesper Hilbig

©Jesper Hilbig

How would you define your design language?: I combine innovative shapes and surfaces with the traditional knowledge of the goldsmithing and silversmithing craft. In the design and creation process it is of utmost importance to me to retain the marks of the manual creation process.
In order to counter the 'perfection' of industrially made objects?: In a way, since my works should not appear as if a robot has made them. Therefore, my approach can be understood as conscious imperfection that reconnects the beholder with the object and its creator.
What role does contrast play in your work?: Contrasts amplify the presence of a work; contrasting finishes such as smooth and rough, shiny and rusty, old and new, intensify the appeal of one another if combined in one work.
Is being an artisan an expression of independence?: Yes, in my case it is the literal expression of the proverb 'Man forges his own destiny'. It is fascinating to be able to materialise an idea by working with your own hands.

Emil Krack is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2015