The visible marks of the human touch
- Clarisse highlights imperfections in her work
- She uses traditional techniques in an unusual manner
- She keeps her production as local as possible
Clarisse Bruynbroeck has been passionate about art and architecture since she was a child. A growing fascination for daily objects and the human body led her to study art jewellery design. The influence of fine art, design and architecture has always remained very important for her work. Clarisse uses traditional techniques in her own personal way. She also likes to accentuate the simplicity of daily life in her objects, which she does by leaving visible marks of the techniques she uses, like that of the blow of a hammer or of a soldering point. “I don’t aim for perfection at all, imperfections for me actually have an added value. I want to highlight the human touch in my work.” Clarisse founded her studio Woche, in Antwerp, in 2016.
INTERVIEW
I try to interpret classic jewellery shapes in a different way, by using traditional techniques in an unusual manner. By overpolishing a ring, I can for example give it an organically wavy shape. Or by sanding and filing harder than necessary, I emphasise the ‘unfinished’ aspect of jewellery.
I generally make and organise everything myself. If I do need the help of a specialist, for example to set a stone in a ring or make an engraving, I always look for professionals in my neighbourhood.
Start experimenting and never stop doing that. You can often come up with brilliant ideas by impulsively trying out different things.
Yes and no. There are increasingly less goldsmiths who are trained by a master, specialised in one technique. New professionals are generally more multidisciplinary trained.
