21 grams
21 grams. The difference between a human being dead and a human being alive. Could that be the weight of the soul? For decades this intriguing question has inspired all kinds of artists, except artists that make jewellery. That is until now. For we were assigned to design a piece of jewellery inspired by that specific question and weighing exactly 21 grams.
‘Where do I look for inspiration when it comes to soul?’ I asked myself. The answer came as fast as the question itself. Inspiration is where my soul thrives most, where I can let go of everything and everyone and most of all of myself. Breathing, moving, feeling the wind on my skin. Tuning in, breaking out. Seeing everything as if it were for the first time. All of that happens when I dance. Dance is when I’m closest to my soul.
In this brooch I refer to the layers that are peeled off when I get this close to my soul. I painted eyes on every layer, referring both to all the different souls living on planet earth and the eyes being a mirror of the soul. Together those layers, that are made of transparent silk, form a tiny little booklet, that gently reveals the story of our lives. The booklet being a hemisphere is a universe in itself, just like our eyes. And like our souls, this brooch is moving, constantly and endlessly, like a dance.
For me it was an honour to create a piece inspired by a subject so elusive. It made me realize how magical it is to be alive.
The Soul
I see, hear and smell
When I’m looking through your eyes.
See that I, that you are just like me.
Endlessly, flowing.
When I dance, the layers come off until no one is looking anymore, until I stop comparing myself to others.
That is the moment I see, I smell,
And I feel.