It was misty and rainy in Belgium at the end of March. We set out from the RAS restaurant next to the port of Antwerp and drove for about 35 minutes to Catherine Rochtus's studio in the suburbs. As we approached the threshold, a gentle glow flickered at our feet. A solitary candle, nestled in a pool of soft light, beckoning us. Thus, our odyssey commenced, guided by the embrace of a humble flame—a symbol of welcome that ignited our hearts and illuminated the path to boundless wonders awaiting within.
Six years ago, Catherine moved into her current workshop, a blank slate awaiting her creative touch. Collaborating with designers, she meticulously planned every detail, from staircase placement to material choices for doors and furnishings. With a hands-on approach, Catherine selected and crafted furniture herself, incorporating elements like stone table legs for rustic charm. This personal touch imbues the space with warmth and authenticity.
Each piece was a testament to Catherine’s mastery of her craft and her reverence for the beauty of the natural world, namely the Objet Trouvé.
- Words: Fynn
- Photos: Paris Brummer
Upon entering, one is immediately struck by the juxtaposition of raw materials and refined elegance. In Catherine’s workshop, the alchemy of metal unfolded before eager eyes, as she breathed life into raw materials, transforming cuttle fish bones and fish skeletons into exquisite jewelry. The bones, carefully carved to create intricate molds, add a touch of organic texture to the polished surfaces of her jewelry pieces that bore the imprints of ancient craftsmanship and modern innovation.
One can not ignore the wooden lattice on the ground of Catherine’s workshop. It serves a practical yet elegant purpose: to prevent pearls and other delicate materials from slipping away. This traditional technique, demonstrated in old paintings she showed us, reflects a deep understanding of craftsmanship and attention to detail.
As we bid farewell, the memory of our journey lingered like the fading glow of the candle at the doorstep. In Catherine’s world, creativity was not just a pursuit—it was a way of life, a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit to transcend boundaries and forge connections that spanned the depths of imagination, just among the objects. It is still illuminating.
