Joop Falke (1933-2016), born in Dordrecht on 23 March, died in Oss 3 October; was a Dutch artist and goldsmith.
Life and work
Joop Falke was a brother of the artist / graphic designer Heinz Falke. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts and Applied Arts in Arnhem (1955-1958), where he was taught by, among others, goldsmith and jewellery designer French Zwollo jr. Falke developed his own signature: a no frills, simple, austere approach to ordinary beauty. After his education he settled in Oss.[1]
Falke made jewellery from precious metals, liturgical vessels, Eucharistic work for churches, sculptures, and statues of various materials. He was active 1958 - 2015. He created many works of art under the Dutch "1% rule" (for the new construction of government buildings 1% of the sale price has been set aside to 'dress' the building with art).[2]
His studio / shop was located in the Houtstraat, in the centre of Oss. Falke was for 25 years a lecturer at the Free Academy in Oss. He taught silver and goldsmithing techniques, and jewellery. He was awarded in 2013 with the Osje of Merit , the official award of the municipality of Oss, as a token of appreciation and gratitude for his work as a goldsmith / artist. He was a member of the AKKV and the Brabant Foundation for the Visual Arts.
In January 2016 was Joop Falke he exhibited at the Politics cafe "Salt" at the Groene Engel in Oss. He died later that year, at the age of 83.
Statements by Joop Falke
"Even sobriety can be costly. To give simplicity stylish shape, is an art. I have always wanted to show people the beauty of simplicity '
"There is a difference between artistry and craft, but I do not believe that my profession is undervalued in general through art '
"What I did was always meant for someone. My jewelery has always been the carrier of the character of the person who wears it"
Photo Gallery
Jewelery
Pendant, in gold
Ring in gold, with diamonds and lapis lazuli
Pendant and ring, in gold en with tiger
Broach, in gold
Ring, in gold
Hanger, in silver (with lapis lazuli)
Pendant in silver, with shell
Ring, in silver
Necklace in silver
Necklace in silver, with piano key
Eucharistic objects
Tabernacle. Brass, enamel, rose quartz and burned amethysts, 1959
Chalice. 1960
Monstrance, partly gilded silver with pearls and amethysts, 1963
Tabernakel. Etched brass plate. 1968
Silverware. 1997
Sculptures
Wall Ornament "Koentje" Pius X school Oss. 1962
Wall Ornament 'Skater' Oss. Iron, lacquered. 1969
Picture taken at the former Edith Stein High school in Oss, 1970
Wedding' image in polyester, the GGD in Oss, 1978
Sea Lion, with former LOM school 'De Terp' in Oss, 1979
'Conversation'
Bird
Chairs
Sail JF
Angel JF
Bronze fountain 1978
Cock 1979
Rabobank 2001
Water fowl 1963
Bibliography
Kinderen Falke, i.s.m. Joop Falke: Joop Falke, edelsmid. Bloemlezing, 2014. Uitgegeven in eigen beheer (oplage 170 stuks).