ABOUT THE WORK

Hamm creates her colorful, contemporary pieces from hand-made parchment. It is the same material, made from the skins of goats, sheep and calves, that was used as writing “paper” in ancient times. Papyrus later took its place.

“It is a stubborn, mysterious, vivid, precious and unpredictable material that wants to be explored and conquered. Its inspirational appearance and characteristics allow me to constantly discover new aspects and possibilities, which I trace within it.”

“In order to fully understand parchment I research and explore its features. Various influences such as heat, cold, moisture or acidity bring parchment to its mechanical limits. I develop three-dimensional forms out of a flat surface and test different dying and printing techniques on it. I dye pre-cut parts in various stages in a colour bath, and while they are still elastic I shape and assemble them into jewelry.

“The parchment shrinks during the drying process and shapes itself according to its inherent growing patterns. By partly interacting with the process, I achieve an interplay between its natural formation and my active interference.

“To select my materials I regularly travel to the manufacturer. Only here I can find an adequate range of parchments. It takes hours of looking through hundreds of skins to find those that reach my expectations….”