After discovering the pieces created for Monocrafft, Merrel tells us more details about her education and career, her creative process and her workshop.
Where are you working ?
I am based in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. I have a wonderful workshop full of a great energy where I work with so much pleasure. There’s a lot of daylight and a great city view. Next to this place I travel monthly overseas, which is really inspiring.
How and when did you start jewelry ?
I always had a passion for jewelry and accessories. Also working with my hands I found quite meditative in a way. So as I didn’t like my full time job anymore, I just thought, lets give it a try and see how this whole thing works out. I never thought about having my own company, I just loved to make beautiful little sparkles…
When have you created your first jewel and which kind of jewel was it ? How was it ? How did you feel?
It was the X ring in sterling silver, which turns out to be my classic haha. I still wear this everyday. It stands for infinite power. It is also part of the Monocrafft logo.
How do you organize your creation process / work (drawings, moodboards…) ?
My creation progress is exactly the same as every process in my company. It just arise in a way it feels really good. I am not a good illustrator, so I never make designs on paper. I start making it in silver and I will adjust it along the way. I love how things become something else in the end, it keeps me focussed and creative. I use this strategy for almost all devisions in my company. I go with my guts, she al ready figured things out before I even know myself. This is really important to me. If something doesn’t feel right in some kinda way, I just don’t do it.
Which tools do you often use ?
I use a lot of different tools, I got so many, a whole wall full of really old tools which I love. I bought all these from a old metalsmith who sadly passed away and for me it feels that his energy is still in every item in my workshop.
How do you choose raw materials ?
I work only with pure materials, I don’t do plating as I can’t guarantee the fading in the end. So sterling silver, rose gold and yellow gold are the ones.. I love to see a jewel get worn in the longer you have it, it gives so much character and stories to your piece.
To read the next part : Monocrafft – 3/3 More details about Merrel…
Photos : © Monocrafft. Photographies fournies par Merrel Westhoff et publiées avec son autorisation
