Ralph Bakker: Introduction

Artist list

Ralph Bakker

When an artist decides to make jewellery, will he or she be making utensils or works of art? Will the results merely testify to their skills and technical knowledge, or will the artistic statement stand out? These are four options that are as different as the four point of the compass. With one maker the wind will blow one way, with the next mainly from the opposite side. As an real equilibrist Ralph Bakker manages to maintain a position at the hart of the compass rose.

Bakker’s jewellery stands in a classic tradition and is proof to his considerable technical abilities, yet, his very personal way of expression stems from a different source. The combination of a full vocational training with the artistic ambitions of the Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam brought the best out in Bakker. For already twenty years has he maintained his own position in the Dutch jewellery world, without followers or competitors. Many admire his subtle colours and ingenious connections, but above all his working magic with gold, silver and enamel.

Ward Schrijver
(© Galerie Rob Koudijs)