Maja Houtman
Jeweller
Published: 09.09.2020
majahoutman.nl
Graduated as gold and silversmith at the Vakschool in Schoonhoven, Maja Houtman found her first job as a repairer in a mainstream jewelry shop. In this uninspiring environment, she trained herself further in the goldsmiths craft. Later on she became an assay master at the Dutch Assay Office. After a career switch in 2003 she started to work as an artist-goldsmith, using a technique she calls twisting. Several objects have been awarded in international crafts competitions and are included in private and public collections.
Statement
I wish to make exceptional and wearable works of art. With my own developed technique called twisting, I give my artistic contribution to the world. By experimenting and learning, the best works arise in my hands.August 2019, I attended the workshop Soul Now, given by Ruudt Peters. With a group of eleven international jewellery makers, we meditated, painted, constructed, discussed, set fire to things, prepared food and cycled through the fabulous Dutch scenery. This workshop not only gave me sweet memories and new friends, but it made me reconsider the way I work. Which is what Ruudt aims for with his workshops. When I left Ravenstein, Ruudt suggested me to experiment with lemons….really a lot of lemons! One year later, I can show you part of the results. Blind drawings, fabric, watercolours, all kinds of techniques… After that, I turned to my silver wire and spend fun time behind the workbench making all kinds of lemon inspired shapes. Then I found lemon coloured Citrine, Carnelion and Agate beads and they gave the opportunity to make “lemonskins” to the lemon slices I had in mind. Which lead to lemon-skin jewellery…
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