Hendrike Barz-Meltzer is a jewellery designer and maker based in Hertfordshire. She specialises in working with various materials, including precious & non-precious metals. Hendrike creates jewellery that has a clear, understated, minimal aesthetic. This is the result of a process that can be spontaneous or linear. Playful experimentation collides with shapes, techniques, materials and model making to form stunning creations. Since 2018 Hendrike has been a Jewellery Tutor. Planning and conducting courses at Rachel Jeffrey and Made In Herts Studios. In 2015 she established her jewellery brand Hendrike Barz-Meltzer Jewellery. Hendrike regularly showcases her jewellery in exhibitions, galleries and fairs across the country including Edinburgh, Liverpool and London.
“I want to inspire women to feel elegant, sophisticated and ethical when they wear a piece of my unique jewellery.”
Hendrike Barz-Meltzer
Green / Black Kumihimo silk braided necklace with tassels & Argentium silver pendant with re-used HDPE plastic petals
Growing up in East Germany shaped Hendrike’s creative process greatly. Her curiosity for a diverse range of subjects runs through all strands of her practice and craft. This is born from a desire to understand how things work. History, for example – being an important aspect to her – is to know how humanity got to this point in time. Whilst the subject of human rights is to understand where it went wrong. These two subjects add a much-valued counterpoint to her creative work. Her primary passion remains her fascination in the field of making. This intrigue began whilst growing up experiencing the shortages of the East German economy. Through making comes a deep sense of satisfaction. Brought about via the demystifying of a skill, subject or technique thus far unknown.
Hendrike Barz-Meltzer’s studio in St Albans, Hertfordshire
Ethics and Teaching
An ethical practise is central to Hendrike’s work and creative ethos. It informs all aspects of her design from inception to delivery. Prioritising processes and carefully selecting materials as to ensure as minimal an impact on the environment as possible. This is an ongoing dedication and the search for alternatives continues. Where possible Hendrike sources materials from reputable and certified businesses. Hendrike believes that everyone must work towards tackling the climate emergency and that each person can contribute in their area of expertise and influence. No matter the size of the action, we all can make an impact.
This dedication can be seen clearly in her beautifully elegant jewellery. Her skilful designs seek to inspire confidence and pride in its wearer. Whilst addressing the ethical and environmental concerns which arise during its creation. Minimal and outward looking, all Hendrike’s pieces are hand-made in her workshop where she aims for the highest quality and attention to detail. All whilst taking into consideration a care for the planet and the people who inhabit it.
“When wearing a piece of my jewellery you should feel connected to the piece – through its story, a memory or emotion –the piece should celebrate and underline the uniqueness of its wearer.”
Hendrike Barz-Meltzer
Teaching has been a lifelong passion for Hendrike. Having worked for over 20 years in different capacities within the charity sector. Hendrike has taken her passion and expertise in the craft field to teach various craft courses to vulnerable adults, children and refugees.
Round Argentium silver earrings with re-used HDPE plastic overlapping discs & 24ct gold Keum- Boo pattern
HDPE / Hope
Since 2016 Hendrike has been working on a series titled ‘HDPE / Hope’. This collection is an expression of her concern for the global environmental crisis. The core idea explored in this collection is the value that materials are endowed with, and the consequent implications for their use. Questioning ‘preciousness’ in the field of jewellery, to query why some everyday items are classified as ‘single-use’. Why do we deem certain materials worthy of care, repair and status, whilst others not? Plastic is one of these materials. Made with precious resources, yet tossed away with out a second thought to its inability to decay.
“The pieces I create result from a process involving drawing, model- making and experimentation. Using a variety of techniques and materials, they are defined by an understated, minimal style, often in ‘odd’ or off-centre arrangements. My practice is guided by environmental and ethical concerns to create jewellery that is timeless, beautiful and which was made responsibly.”
Hendrike Barz-Meltzer
Whilst her heritage is German, Hendrike is also drawn to Japanese aesthetics. Striving for well-designed pieces, mostly abstract, with an element of the unexpected. Her jewellery toys with the unequal, the off-centre, the asymmetrical and the odd. The ancient techniques of Kumihimo, Japanese silk braiding, and Keum-Boo, Korean gilding, can be seen in the jewellery that Hendrike creates. She favours these traditional processes for their low environmental impact, and the attention and patience they demand of the artist.
Argentium silver brooch, entitled ‘Re-use and Plant Trees’ with HDPE plastic discs and double stainless steel pin
Background
Hendrike studied Jewellery Design at Central St Martins College, London, gradating with First Class Honours. During this period, she won numerous scholarships, prizes and awards. Including First Prize at Goldsmith’ Craft Council Craftsmanship and Design. She also has a Masters in Modern History from Birkbeck College, University of London, and a Masters in Understanding & Securing Human Rights from University of London.
She lives in St Albans, Hertfordshire, with her husband and two children.
Shop Hendrike Barz-Meltzer at GroundJewels here
For more information about Hendrike please see www.hendrikebarz.com
