25.07. – 27.07.2025

Portraits have a long-standing tradition in Western culture and art history. In the context of jewelry, they can be seen in the form of cameos, medallions, signet rings, and other pieces. Portraiture remains a popular subject for many contemporary jewelers.

The functions of portraits are varied, but their primary aim is often to convey the essence and personality of the portrayed, beyond simply capturing their appearance. However, a portrait also inevitably reflects the artist‘s perspective—does it not reveal as much about the maker as it does about the subject?

In this 3-day workshop, we will use ourselves as the starting point for creating a series of portraits. The process will begin with material sketches that focus on shapes, appearance, and likeness. From there, we will gradually shift toward exploring a more abstract concept: the “essence” of the subject. Through exercises in material transformation, we will encourage associations and stimulate imagination.

How do these individual projects connect to jewelry? The focus of this workshop will be on experimentation, process, and questioning. The goal is to foster a dialogue between materials and ideas. Through group discussions, we will seek to understand and evaluate the material statements created.