Floor Max
Jeweller
Published: 27.07.2020
planet.nl
Floor Max is a Dutch artist living and working in Enkhuizen, a small town in the north of Holland. Max graduated with a BA architectural design, specialisation jewellery, from the Hogeschool voor de Kunsten Utrecht, The Netherlands. For almost 25 years she is designing and constructing jewellery collections, which she presents in galleries and exhibitions.
Statement
In my atelier, I manufacture jewellery, either unique pieces or larger series. Every single piece has its own story.Everything I make takes shape in a playful way originating from my great curiosity and with the help of countless experiments. Subsequently, my work is a translation of my thoughts, impressions and experiences. A poetic embrace of surprise and wonder.
My work is characterized by my love for (silver) wire and other flexible materials. I continuously search for the boundary between strength and vulnerability. With these seemingly breakable compounds, I create both literally and figuratively strong jewellery and accessories. Besides the use of the more commonly known goldsmith techniques I also use textile techniques while processing various kinds of metal. These techniques may include crochet, knitting, weaving and embroidery. I find this particular way of forming connections virtually challenging as they tend to form a logical structure and remain relatively transparent. With the best of both worlds, I am able to create clear and delicate pieces
My jewellery is made in a traditional way which makes it labour-intensive. This greatly increases the intrinsic value of my work and in addition creates a connection with the viewer, buyer and wearer of my jewellery.
Besides the designing and creating of jewellery and accessories I also make graphics and photographs. Other activities might include designing and making the concept for an exhibition.
Hexagoon
The hexagon is the primary building block in Floor Max’s work. Several years ago she found an abandoned wasps’ nest and was fascinated by its construction: I was struck by how strong and yet delicate it was, how sturdy and simultaneously fragile. It was the hexagonal honeycomb structure that was responsible for the strength of that nest, which was built of a wafer-thin natural material, like paper. Floor subsequently observed hexagons in all kinds of architecture: in the floorplans, decorations and windows of Christian, Jewish and Islamic buildings. So it is not hard to see Moorish tiled floors from Granada in her brooches, mosques in her rings or cathedral domes in her necklaces.
For me the hexagon represents the connection of different people and cultures, of different histories and narratives, Floor Max explains. She also connects a range of materials in her pieces, such as silver, copper, felt and leather.
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