Studio

During my studies at the Academy, there was one traditional visual art technique that wasn’t covered: glass. It’s a fascinating medium for me, one that I was eager to explore. Working with glass is an intense process; it requires tremendous heat to melt a mixture of sand, lime, and soda into glass. Temperatures around 1,500 °C make the glass fluid and malleable. The process demands technical precision, a keen sense of timing and movement, and experience in managing the heat to achieve the desired outcome.

In Leerdam, the heart of Dutch glassmaking tradition, I developed this collection with a team of renowned glassblowers. These glass objects were born from a clear artistic vision, inspired by the Femme Fatale, where allure and vulnerability play an important role.

During a trip to Venice, where I visited numerous glassworks and museums, I discovered filigree glass. This is a technique where fine white threads are fused into the glass. Introduced around 1527 by Venetian glassmakers from Murano, this method uses straight and spiral-shaped threads and combinations thereof. The refined structure and symmetrical lines of filigree glass reminded me of the intricate Dutch ruffs from the 16th and 17th centuries. I have often admired these finely crafted lace collars in the works of old masters, and they inspired me to capture that same aesthetic in glass objects.

The shapes of the glass are inspired by the Femme Fatale, embodying seduction and destructive power. This collection captures these symbols, balancing form, transparency, and structure.

I am currently working on the next step in developing this collection, combining glass with bronze. This interplay between the clarity of glass and the robust nature of bronze creates an innovative interpretation of classical techniques and symbolism. My goal is to create a collection that embodies the essence of craftsmanship and timeless beauty, reflecting my themes of art with depth and history.