Artist statement Ingrid I. van der Meer

As a Dutch artist it took me nearly 40 years to realize that making art was not only for the artistically inbred talented artists. 30 years ago schools in the Netherlands did not encourage students using their ability to be creative. Global circumstances gave me the opportunity to develop my unconscious need to create. After 12 years of drawing- and painting lessons I started taking jewelry classes in 2002. The medium ‘metal’ opened a new world for me. Creating three-dimensional objects with metal was really eye opening. The use of enamels added color to my work. I mostly work with silver and copper but other materials like gold, wood, plastic (take a look at my recycled earrings) have my interests as well. Many times my designs are originated from my dreams. Always looking at everything that surrounds me, I get my ideas from nature as well as shapes of buildings or shadows on the ground. Most of my designs have a contemporary look, but I feel drawn by Art Deco and Art Nouveau as well. My pieces are all unique because of the choice of stones I use. I buy my stones all over the world and, depending on their shape and color, create my silverwork around it.  Every now and then I put some humour in my designs. I feel like my creativity is my 6th sense that needs attention all the time. Isn’t it nice to create something and see your loved ones wear your jewelry or to proudly show and wear your own jewelry? 

My studio

My studio is small, but effective and efficient. It is build as an extension on the side of our garage. My tools mean a lot to me and in the course of time I got some nice pieces of equipment that make my work go easier.