Growing up on a farm in Namibia was the ultimate inspiration to what would become my passion for life. The endless Namib, the flora and fauna of this vast and beautifully arid landscape leaves me with more than one heart string attached to this amazing country.
After an introduction to jewellery manufacturing in Germany, where I was fortunate to work with Birte Wieda, a fantastic jeweller that did amazing things in her 6 square meter workshop-come-shop, I was ready to pursue my education in jewellery design and manufacture in Schwaebisch-Gmuend, Germany.
Traditionally these studies over three years include the ancient art of manufacturing items (bowls, vessels, goblets, cutlery, etc.), a wide variety of techniques (engraving, granulating, enameling, the setting of stones) as well as putting a big emphasis on the design of jewellery and it's history.
After my studies, I started an apprenticeship in Aachen, Germany, to gain even more in-depth experience. When I finally came to Cape Town in 2004 and opened my studio, it was a dream come true for me. Ever since then I have been involved in a multitude of creative ventures, from organizing events, over teaching jewellery classes, to exhibiting my work in South Africa and Namibia.
To be able to create a piece or artwork that exists only to be enjoyed and appreciated, as well as to inspire, gives me great pleasure.
I like to keep an open mind and find artistic challenges that inspire me moving forward. People that have inspired me on my journey so far are the Namibian sculptor Dörte Berner, South African artist Judy Woodborne (whose etching class inspired my designs), Jugendstil's Kolo Moser and 'Die Wiener Werkstaette", as well as a textile course with South African-based German artist Nadja Bossmann.
Come and visit me in my workshop/showroom in 30 Roodebloem Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, or get in touch by email: info@frieda.co.za
Very impressive!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations. I am sure this will be very exciting and inspiring in the future.