As humans, we have evolved and are now slowly outgrowing our physical shells and mental capacities. We have satisfied the basic needs of being human and are now seeking more…
In the challenging worlds of tomorrow, we will adapt and transcend our physical and mental abilities. New desires emerge regarding the body, which no longer serve mere practicality…
In ‘Metacarpus,’ Stefan speculates about three future scenarios concerning the hands. The speculations revolve around three main topics: digitalisation, extreme climate change, and surpassing physicality. The outcome is three jewellery-like tools designed for our future hands to be utilised in future environments.
Often, my work is created with the purpose of giving the wearer a feeling of empowerment through body extension.
What ideas or themes inspire your work?
Stefan Boerkamp: I am drawn to the idea of “tuning”; modifying, optimizing, and altering. Like “car tuning,” there is this aspect of customization and upgrading that I like to use as an analogy. Often, my work is created with the purpose of giving the wearer a feeling of empowerment through body extension.
I have a highly referential way of working; a lot of my inspiration comes from the escapism I experienced as a child.
How do you envision the future of the field you have chosen and your practice within it?
SB: A lot of jewellery and accessories nowadays are seamlessly fusing with the body, elevating the status of what jewellery/accessories can be. They are moving away from being just a detail to becoming the main focus. The pieces become like body extensions and part of the individual. I find this fascinating because it creates a whole different dynamic between the object and the wearer.
In my current practice, that is always my goal: to create work that transports you into an imaginary world and fosters a sense of immersion.
Could you describe your approach, and how does it reflect tradition, current trends or push boundaries within the field?
SB: I have a highly referential way of working; a lot of my inspiration comes from the escapism I experienced as a child. Growing up, playing video games, watching science fiction movies, and engaging in imaginative play with friends, pretending to be knights and battling with branches as swords.
What all these experiences have in common is that they serve as a catalyst for the imaginary world. In my current practice, that is always my goal: to create work that transports you into an imaginary world and fosters a sense of immersion.
SO MINT! is a series of posts on fresh graduates in fashion, jewellery and design from around the world. Handpicked by Current Obsession.
IG: @stefan.boerkamp
