Gabri Schumacher
2nd Place – “Greetings from Holland”
Gabri Schumacher said it all with this statement. “With ‘Greetings from Holland’ I want to show the versatility of silver. The most important aspect in this piece is the beautiful white gloss, the color of silver. With a flat form and the simple use of an image I created this dazzling effect with the reflection of silver. I was able to maintain the reflective property that is often lost during forging or embossing. I also used modern techniques including water-cutting and computer-controlled bending to make a product that can be reproduced. I wanted to create a unique piece of art in silver, a masterpiece, similar to a piece of haute couture in fashion. This piece of art can be “translated” to tableware made of, for example, porcelain and steel."
Artist Interview:
Q. How did you come up with the title?
The title refers to the souvenirs of Holland, often made in Delft Blue earthenware or objects with Delft Blue print. Of course as a Dutch person I am proud of the label Dutch Design, with this title everyone knows it’s from Holland.
Q. What/who was your inspiration?
The world famous Delft Blue earthenware was my inspiration.
Q. How long did it take to make the piece?
I took me four months to make it. Because of the technical difficulty and the problems I encountered while making it, I had to change the design a few times. Changing the design is part of the process and makes you grow and become better. So it’s not neccesarily a problem, because your design develops into a better product. Actually, if I had to make it another time, I would change the design at some points again.
Q. What challenges did you overcome while you were making it?
It’s very difficult to keep the silver, with such a big surface, flat when you are heating it. I had to make several tools to keep control while heating the piece.
Q. What do you plan to do with the piece?
I would love to see this one as a unique masterpiece, a limited edition and to have a simpler version made in a larger version (same as haute couture). This piece of art can be “translated” to tableware made of, for example, porcelain and steel.
Q. Will this piece inspire other work?
Yes, this piece is actually inspired by another piece I created before this one, and I am planning to make other derivatives with this design. My previous piece was inspired by the Netherlands-based ‘De Stijl’ movement (starting in 1917). I created silver tableware with primary colors and geometric forms inspired by “De Stijl”. The design of the piece lends itself to many ideas. After making this version of tableware with Delft Blue, I’m planning to make a piece with inlaid wood. The effect will be totally different but still have the same design.
Q. What did you feel when you learned you’d won?
I was really happy because I think this time it is quite different in hollowware, than in jewelry which I won before. It was a challenge.
Q. Whom did you tell first about winning?
My family, of course.
Educational and Professional Background
Q. Of all the arts and crafts why did you choose jewelry?
At first because of jewelry’s technical and creative aspects. I have learned that it has a lot of other assets that are important to me, such as emotions, sustainability, aesthetics and value. But it still has technical and creative aspects. And it is always purchased for very special occasions.
Q. What was the first piece of jewelry you ever made?
It was pendant. I made it of wire in 1973 when I was twelve. My father saved it for me. And he put it in a frame and I keep it because it was so special to me.
Q. What was your training/academic background in jewelry-making?
I studied at the School of Applied arts here, ‘De Vakschool” in Schoonhoven. I did an internship while I was in school. I had a friend who makes jewelry and I wanted to experience the same life he had. He taught me a lot.
Q. What was the biggest challenge you have faced in your business?
It was making this tableware because it is so complex. It looks simple but it isn’t. There was a huge investment in materials and time. I couldn’t do anything else.
Q. What is the best advice you received?
That you have to work with patience. Don’t rush and push things. Always focus on what you are doing. Maybe most important is to focus, that will say everything.
Q. What other awards, honors have you received in your career?
In 2018 I won first place in the Alternative Metals category of the Saul Bell Design Awards. HRD is the leading diamond certification business in Antwerp and I have twice won their design award, as well as numerous other awards in Europe. My daughter is also a designer and I made pieces with her and she was a finalist.
Q. What is your definition of “success”?
For me success is the feeling of being so happy when you create something you are very satisfied with yourself. It’s a double success if somebody else likes it too.
Creative Influences and Environment
Q. What or who do you think has been the strongest influence or inspiration on your work?
The common description of Dutch Design, which is as follows: Minimalist, experimental, innovative, unconventional and with a sense of humor. This description suits me as well, so I think Dutch Design is the biggest influence for my work. I hope to be a part of the label Dutch Design.
Q. What artist, dead or alive, do you most admire? Why?
I most admire the artists who are creating work I would never make. I don’t think that way. I highly admire Lalique. I would never make this type of work but I admire his work.
Q. Is the product or the process more important to you? Why?
Both are important but if I must choose, I would say product. The process doesn’t have to be complex to create something beautiful. I admire it very much if the process is simple, because I think that’s more difficult than a complicated process. Or maybe, while saying this, I do say the process is the most important, haha.
Q. What is your favorite tool?
Polishing. It means it is the end of the process and I can start thinking about my next project.
Q. What metals, gemstones, processes do you enjoy most?
I like working with gold, silver and diamonds.
Q. Describe your studio.
It is a bigger shop in an atelier than I had previously. The lighting is great and I love working in a lot of light. We have so many very old buildings in Schoonhoven. There are a lot of old ateliers with huge windows facing the north, which is the best light. A lot of historic buildings are saved here. It is so important.
Interview by Marlene Richey