The Dutch artist Robert Smith is one of the leading jewelers of our time. His jewelry blurs the boundaries of traditional jewelry art, his art looks like graphics with vivid color elements and poetic context.
Robert started to make jewelry quite early: at the age of 19 he repaired jewelry for a jewelry store in his hometown Delft. During this period he met the artist Jan Schoonhoven, who belonged to the experimental Zero group and was known for his studies of light, form and volumes through sculptural reliefs, made of corrugated cardboard, papier-mâché and plywood. Robert visited the artist almost every day, fascinated by his work.
It was he who encouraged Robert to apply for the Staatliche Kunst + Werkschule in Pforzheim (Germany).
To get to know more about the artist and see more his creations visit his website.
Robert started to make jewelry quite early: at the age of 19 he repaired jewelry for a jewelry store in his hometown Delft. During this period he met the artist Jan Schoonhoven, who belonged to the experimental Zero group and was known for his studies of light, form and volumes through sculptural reliefs, made of corrugated cardboard, papier-mâché and plywood. Robert visited the artist almost every day, fascinated by his work.
Jan Schoonhoven. Painted papier mâché on wood, 1972
Jan Schoonhoven. Ink on paper, 1985
Jan Schoonhoven. Ink on paper, 1982
Brooch. Gold, rubies
Neck ornament. Gold, 1984
In the 1960s and 70s the artist was involved in disputes about the use of gold in jewelry. At that time this precious material was “non-accepted” in the radicalized Dutch contemporary jewelry art. Although some young jewelers, such as, for example, Annelies Planteijdt and Philip Sajet, began to use it ocassionaly. The debate in the Netherlands was concerned with the future of modern jewelry, and the use of gold, according to many designers, was the restoration of the value of jewelry as a status symbol.
Brooch Veritatis Splendor, 1993
Oxidised gold, 3 diamonds
Necklace Bello so sad (for Erik Andriesse), 1993. Gold, lead, niello, paint
However, Smit’s work showed the enormous sculptural and artistic possibilities of 24kt gold, he discovered this material anew, revealed a new way to approach it.
Brooch. Gold, paint, pearls
The artist dedicated a collection of works to his dog Bello, a childhood friend. Spontaneously arrangements of lines and figures created associations of funny poses of a playful dog.
Necklace Dog with Red Mouth, 1997. 18ct gold, lacquer
Brooch Bello as a still life. Gold, pearl, painted
His abstract painting figures are based on personal memories, narrate about familiar things in a witty and expressive way.
Brooch, 1991. Gold
Letter to Madonna delle Dolomiti
He is a poet who translates his thoughts into jewelry. This brooch was made as an echo on his walks through the streets of the Italian city of Padua, where he met with his colleagues, Italian jewelry artists.
Brooch Walking in Padova, 2002. Gold, silver, steel, paint
His jewelry pieces are similar to paintings or sketches on gold, applique works in bright colors, in which the artist reseached his line, rhythm and artistic structure.
