She is setting up her own 'hotshop' for the experiments of artists and designers. Selma Hamstra dreamed of having her own glass workshop with design products, applied glass objects she created herself, and this came to fruition at the Keilewerf in Rotterdam. It is also a space where other makers can develop their skills, a breeding ground for ambitious craftspeople and designers.
Studio Selma Hamstra explores the fields of craft and design and aims to contribute to the revaluation of the crafts culture. She is setting up her own 'hotshop' for the experiments of artists and designers. Selma Hamstra dreamed of having her own glass workshop with design products, applied glass objects she created herself, and this came to fruition at the Keilewerf in Rotterdam. It is also a space where other makers can develop their skills, a breeding ground for ambitious craftspeople and designers.
Asking questions about the meaning of craft and mastery, is perhaps the most important aspect of her practice. 'Her Masters Voice' collection contains glass designs that are created to question the craft. Searching for a balance between the skills of a master glassblower and their apprentice. Providing a stage to let questions arise; do you see the qualities of the master and how do we value the imperfections from the learning hand of a young craftsman? What does it mean to be a master? Is the quality of education good enough to become a master? She seeks to explore the boundaries between product designer, researcher and glassblower with this collection.
The pieces are made in collaboration with Gert Bullée, a master glassblower, and Albert Seubring, a cold worker. The collection is handmade and made up of objects that invite viewers to examine craft and the meaning of mastership. In this collection, you will find components made by a master and made by a young glassblower, therefore a difference in skills will be evident.
The pieces in the collection are designed to emphasise the fine balance in skills, to be a centre piece in a space - with or without a clear function.
Photography by Chloe Alyshea
