Looking at the hollow forms of Ruudt’s brooches, a question arises – what is more important, the vessel or the space inside the vessel? Our life from birth to death is intertwined with various vessels, shells and nests, but the principle remains the same: there’s something that holds and something that is held, an interior and an exterior, a keeper and a dissolver, a separator and the separated.

Length 9 cm
Width 3.2 cm
Height 5 cm

The Suctus series of brooches explores the notion of suction, the absorption of light into the handmade piece of jewellery. The form of this brooch has been designed to capture light, while the amber stone is set to reflect light and tones onto the interior walls of the brooch, as well as concentrate light on the bottom surface.

Length 8.5 cm
Width 4.5 cm
Height 3 cm

Ruudt is a craftsman and designer who likes to produce a completely new series every year. His talent lies in his ability to combine intelligence with emotion to create an explosively effective mix. This brooch, a matt grey body of Christ sliced in two, tells the story of aloneness, exploring how martyrdom can liberate humankind but in a sense we all die alone. The half bodies seem to desperately embrace one another, a gripping symbol for the understanding that consolation and help can only come from within.

Length 13 cm
Width 22 cm
Height 3.5 cm

As with many of Ruudt’s works, Ma Sielu functions both as a piece of jewellery and as an instrument for self-reflection. We find a reflective pool, a space and dimension within the surface of this brooch – something you see but cannot reach.

Length 14.2 cm
Width 14.2 cm
Height 0.8 cm