Mixed Bag by Daniel Kruger

Artist list

Daniel Kruger

The artist sits in his studio. Always facing the same question, constantly looking for a different answer. Daniel Kruger is someone who in his answers always manages to strike a fine balance between 'head' and 'hand'; between unconventional, exciting ideas, and his wide-ranging craft skills. To him craftsmanship isn't something like an occasionally utilized hammer or sawing machine, instead, it is a state of mind where concentration, experience and respect for materials lead the way.

Kruger will see constraints and conventions only as a challenge. He is just as happy forging silver, as embroidering fabrics, for him there is no distinction between using precious stones, mirrors or paint. He likes to be seduced by things like photographs, dried flowers, or the magic of blue butterfly wings. This time he crocheted fibers into object-like neckpieces, with an inside finish that makes you weak at the knees. He also developed complex, theatrical necklaces, and - at the other end of the spectrum - brooches with austere, dark grey shapes, reminiscent of branches and fruits. 
The main interests of the artist are enjoying the making process, and the delight a future wearer may get from his pieces. At times a sweet African wind blows in his work, incidentally you catch a glint from eighteenth-century court life, or nineteenth-century opulence. In any case, Daniel Kruger always creates genuine jewellery, while making a appreciative bow to the past and an audacious leap into the future.

/ Ward Schrijver