Schoonhoven Zilverkunst

Foreign AfFairs:

International Silversmiths - Turfkelder, Schoonhoven. May 2012

Schoonhoven Zilverdag and Internationale Zilverkunst 

I was absolutely blown away by the welcome I recieved on returning to Holland earlier in the year to take part in International Zilverkunst, a new venture to expand the Nationale Zilverdag (National Silverday) that takes part in Schoonhoven every year.  It was a huge success with over 3,000 visitors to the town.  Both Deborah and I were amougst the 10 makers to exhibit our work in the Turfkelder (the old prison beneath the Town Hall).  It was a beautiful and very inspiring space in which to exhibit.  I certainly hope to return again next year.   It was fantastic to meet so many enthusiastic people.  I do hope some of you are able to cross the Channel to London and visit me, either at my workshop or at a show.  For more infomation about this show, please visit my facebook page or blog.  However, I will not have to wait until May to return...

Internatioanl Zilverkunst

Zilverdag (Silver day) has traditionally taken place on Whit Monday (Pentecost Monday) every year in Schoonhoven.  The town is filled with silversmiths and jewellers, market stands, tools, silversmithing demonstrations and activities.  It is a huge celebration of the history of the town and the current activities and trade that still exhist there today with thousands of visitors coming from all over Europe.

This year the local silversmiths have planned something even more special.  They have invited 6 international silversmiths, myself included, to exhibit in the Silver City's Town Hall for the weekend before the main event on Monday.

I am extremely excited to have been asked to go back as a guest to participate this year.  Schoonhoven is a very special place for me, having spent a year there (2009-2010) as an Artist in Residence on Programme of Excellence with the local silversmiths.  I have decided to take the work of Deborah Werbner with me (and her!).  I have admired her work and the philosophy behind it ever since meeting her, just over a year ago.  I feel her connection to her work and the stories she wishes to express sit very comfortably alongside mine.
 
Deborah makes emotionally sustainable artefacts. She believes that objects connected to memory stories will become objects that we cherish, retain and bequeath.

Our work will be on display from Saturday 26th May until Monday 28th May 2012.

If you would like further information please do not hesitate to get in contact.