CRAFTS
JANUARY 2002
GERMAN JEWELS
Five
top German jewellers contribute a diverse collection of work, ranging
from cutting edge, pieces to subtle, beautiful forms in a new exhibition
at the Kath Libbert Gallery. This is the first international show
at Salts Mill - the converted textile mill which also houses the
largest private collection of Hockney's work.
Look out for Martina Lang who combines precious amber with silver
and cord to produce sensual, tactile pieces including necklaces
and rings. Ursula Hoffman started as a textile designer and conservator
before becoming a jeweller - as proved by her neckpieces and bracelets
made from hundreds of pieces of hand-dyed silk fabric. Each of Vitalis
Kubach's pieces has a 'soul' - such as her hollowed-out Rhine
Pebble pendants where the insides are decorated with gold and
space is left for the owner to place their own 'treasure'. Goldsmith
Anna Gluck combines unpretentious, geometric forms in matt silver
and gold with invisible settings to create elegant pendants and
earrings.
Finally Barber Schmidt's Gordie Knot rings begin as flat
pieces of gold or silver which the wearer twists and knots together.
Coloured plastic inserts can also be entwined with the ring - or
worn alone as a fun accessory.
LH
'Schmuck' is at the Kath Libbert Jewellery, Salts Mill, Victoria
Road, Saltaire BD18 3LB (01274 599790) until 31 January.
