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Extended Studies

Dorothee Rosen: Designer Goldsmith

NSCAD alumna Dorothee Rosen on EastLink TV

About Dorothee:

I was born in Germany and immigrated to Canada in 1989 at the age of 19. In 2005, I graduated from NSCAD University with a major in jewellery design and metalsmithing, and a minor in art history (focus craft). I was honoured to be the recipient of various awards and scholarships, and continue to participate in exhibitions in Canada and the US. I create in my studio in Halifax. My work is available online, at my studio, or through several galleries in North America.

Inspiration

Much of my jewellery design inspiration comes from nature, and I often work from my own photographs. I also feel very passionate about the materials of the trade, and their intrinsic beauty and qualities. Starting with an image or with the written word, I go directly to the material. I look to make discoveries by working through hundreds of samples. My design process is therefore material driven: I design through material, rather than for it. I am intrigued by the story the metal has to tell, and, in designing new work, like to keep my mind open to serendipity.

Process

When I begin to translate my jewellery design inspiration into metal, I work very intuitively, allowing space for serendipity. With the original inspiration in mind, I begin a dialogue with the metal. What is the best way to translate a unique quality of fluid line into such a solid medium as metal? How does a piece change when I start with the same cut in the metal but then vary the amount of pressure put upon the metal with the hydraulic press? Through a process of careful decision making, both in material and technique, I begin working the hard, cold material toward a relationship with the body.

Why?

In designing new work, I believe that, if I can imagine a piece of jewellery before I make it, it will be a boring piece, and not worth making. I must arrive at a new jewellery design through a series of discoveries, or it will only be a repetition of what’s already out there. My excellent education at NSCAD University has given me the tools to process initial ideas through thorough investigation and exploration of design. Only then can I create truly unique body adornments of timeless elegance, which have a background story and are conversation pieces.

See more of Dorothee’s work HERE.