A few years ago I discovered the extraordinary and colourful statement necklaces designed by Gerjanne of Atelier GeJe here in the Netherlands and I was instantly drawn to them, mostly because of the fine use of colours. I've had the pleasure of visiting the Atelier GeJe workshop quite a few times by now (always feeling like a kid in a candystore when I'm surrounded by that many beautiful designs!) and I thought I'd share with you a little peek into the workshop and also, introduce you to Gerjanne through this little interview.
Gerjanne, could you tell us a little bit about Atelier GeJe and how you got started?
I’ve been making jewellery since 1975 and have later also started making tapestries. This is what I had my first exhibition with as well. All of this work developed with different materials over time and from tapestries I then went on to make paintings.
The combination of working with my head (first aid assistance and teaching) and my hands brought me a good balance, this also because of the studies I did in both of these directions.
In the past I’ve had exhibitions in galleries, museums and exclusive stores in the Netherlands and abroad but more and more I felt like I wanted to have some personal interaction with my clients as well. So I started my own workshop at home where now I not only work but I also have clients visiting me.
For the jewellery I use colourful and natural materials like pearls, agath and silver. For the fine silver or gold jewellery that we make I work together with my daughter, in the workshop or some place else.
How would you describe Atelier GeJe?
The philosophy of Atelier GeJe is that the jewellery and paintings have to be affordable and the jewellery has to be wearable as well: the necklaces often seem big and heavy but they’re actually very light weight. The jewellery and paintings are unique, we never create the same thing twice because of the work method ánd because they’re made within a certain mood or feeling.
Could you tell us about your work method?
I rarely create things out of a certain design. The jewellery and paintings happen in the moment and it is way more inspiring for me to have the freedom and space to create a "surprise" and see how something develops.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get my inspiration from anywhere and anything really; from my surroundings to maybe a simple line, a form, a weathered branch or stump, but also from different forms of art. All of these images I collect in my head and later I can let these impressions out again in different shapes through my work.
What kind of people wear Atelier GeJe designs? Do you think they have a specific style?
People who wear Atelier GeJe jewellery are mostly somewhat willful people who don’t follow the fashion trends blindly, people with a clear personal style. They can be people from the age of 25 to far over the age of 80.
Besides colourful jewellery you create paintings and also jewellery made out of old gold and silver. Out of these three things, is there anything you prefer to work on?
I don’t prefer one thing over the other but I think it’s nice and inspiring to, for example, alternate between working with silver and gold and working with other jewellery or sometimes even combining the two.
Do you have a favourite designer or artist?
I don’t have a lot of favourite artists, because everyone actually seems to have something I find interesting. Some of the artists that stand out for me, though, are: Hester van Eeghen - she designs bags and I own several of those - the etches and studies of Rembrandt impress and inspire me ánd the beach creatures of Theo Jansen are close to magical, those are really special to see. These artists excite me to get started on new creations, while there are many more artists I also like but who don’t stand out as much.
Do you have any special plans for the future of Atelier GeJe?
I don’t have any concrete plans for the future but I would like to develop my online store and business a bit more, possibly with help from others. Otherwise I will just wait and see what comes up, I like working that way.
Visit Atelier GeJe's little online shop here.
all images by me and Kiwi Bird Productions
