ABOUT THE ARTIST

German artist Oliver Schmidt grew up with knots. Sailing on Lake Constanz and mountaineering in Alps, knots played a large role in his safety and well being. In both, the integrity of a knot is critical and truly a life or death matter, so it is not surprising that there exists an aesthetic appreciation for the beauty of a knot. He describes his pride in knowing the best knot for the job and being able to tie it with confidence, “It is magic somehow.”

ABOUT THE WORK

Schmidt chose to work with a square profile because the surfaces act like facets and permit a play of light he finds interesting.  It also allows the eye to travel the course of the knot and experience the complexity of it.

The iron is treated with layers of oil and graphite, which seal the surface and prevent corrosion and rust. The oils of the skin are good for the ring and conversely, soaps are not. One should remove the ring, when possible, while doing dishes and washing hands. Like changes to leather that is often worn, Schmidt’s rings acquire a patina with wear. If the original surface is preferred, it is very easy to restore its matte, black character.