Amsterdam Canal Houses
The brief:
To capture a special weekend spent in Amsterdam.
On the wish list for the visual narrative were the very distinct and varied rooftops of the canal houses. The little bridges, their railings loaded with bikes also needed a mention as did the Red Light district. Initial designs show a traditional canalboat but along the way it became a party boat.
THE DESIGN
Several early interactions with the client to discuss my pencil sketches allowed me to hear more recollections and suggestions and finesse on the design.
Early design sketch, before the bridge was made to open and before the renovation of the house boat into the party boat.
THE MAKE PROCESS
Originally, my drawings were done by hand. I converted the final design into an etching resist and hand-etched the houses using a ferric nitrate solution. The bridge and boat are then layered onto the piece and cold-riveted to the townhouse panels.
Amsterdam has 400 km of bike paths. Therefore, we felt there needed to be some bikes.
A bullet shaped pink Quartz forms the bridge light. This is where the cuff opens - the light lifts up releasing the bridge.
Being worn as a bespoke cuff
I asked the London Assay Office at Goldsmith's Hall to strike the hallmark on the side of the boat to act as its name. In this photo you can also see one of the rivets holding the boat in place. The rivet represents one of the fenders on the boat.
The piece was originally conceived as a special occasion cuff with plenty of articulation provided by the 'drain pipe' hinges, but it resulted in a standalone art piece that brings daily pleasure. It holds memories of meeting friends, seeing the city by boat along the canals, strolling the elm tree-lined streets, and dodging the bikes.
The stones: a Pink Tourmaline marks the 'red light' basement window, a Green Tourmaline balloon, Pink Tourmaline and Pale Citrine light up the attic windows. The party boat and bridge are lit with a mixture of coloured stones.