Spot the Designer - Annick De Stobbeleir - Plus One Collective
What did you want to be when you were a child?
As a child, I did not get the opportunity to develop creatively. Nevertheless, I remember a great fascination for everything that had shape, texture and colour. In my teenage years, I did not yet have a real profession in mind but was mostly into interior design, decoration and hairstyles.
When have you started creating jewelry? How did this passion come about?
The creative part in me slowly came to the fore. To develop this further, I started evening classes at the age of twenty-five. At the Academy Image, I started with the directions drawing and painting and then moved on to the ceramics course. Yet during this period, the direction 'jewellery design' kept intriguing me. After a 'silver clay' workshop, I had a taste for it. Several workshops followed, both in Antwerp and Ertvelde. Over time, the realisation grew that I needed a more academic education. In 2017, I started training in 'jewellery design - precious metals' at the Academie Beeld in Sint-Niklaas. Here I was immersed in a range of gold and silver forging techniques each time linked to designing jewellery or small objects. In 2022, my graduation project was presented to the general public. I received both the Brussels Jewellery Week Students prize and the Academy Image Sint-Niklaas laureate prize for my work.
What was your first project or important piece of jewellery and from what point of view?
My most important and precious piece of jewellery was created after the death of my son. The design process led me to a gold ring in the shape of a tear. The hollow ring is also the bearer of his ashes. This way, he is always a little bit with me.
How do you charge your batteries? What other passions and creative interests do you have?
You can find me quite often at the Belgian coast. Long walks on the beach provide both relaxation and inspiration. Swimming also appeals to me. The feelings and impressions gained by the sea, from the beach, wind and water, can be found in my collection.
Which material have you not yet used is a temptation and a challenge for you?
Following on from my studies in 'jewellery design precious metals', I am currently following 'specialisation in jewellery design'. Within this course, you can combine more and more other mediums with jewellery. In this way, I discovered the world of glass blowing. A fascinating subject, but also very technical.
How was the pandemic period for you as a jewelry designer?
Rest! An inspiring period where I concentrated heavily on design and experimentation.
How do you see the future of contemporary jewelry?
Hopefully, in the future, contemporary jewellery will not only be found in museums and galleries, but also simply in the daily street scene. That this artistic expression will actually be worn and cherished. My own preference then is mainly for brooches.
