Clarisse Bruynbroeck

Jewellery maker

©Woche jewelry

©Jose Huedo for Maiwe

©Woche jewelry

©Ligia Poplawska

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

©Ligia Poplawska

©Woche jewelry

How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?: 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.
What is little known about your work?: 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.
What is your advice to an aspiring jewellery maker?: Start experimenting and never stop doing that. You can often come up with brilliant ideas by impulsively trying out different things.
Is your craft considered in danger?: 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.

Clarisse Bruynbroeck is a rising star: she began her career in 2016