CAROLINA APOLONIA

CAROLINA APOLONIA


Born in Zeeland, The Netherlands. Dropped out of law school, and travelled the world for many years. After an international career in media and television, Carolina went on to study silversmithing and jewellery design at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp. She lives and works in Middelburg, The Netherlands.

My work reflects my intimate world. Often I construct abstract versions of rooms, buildings, and cities that mirror my dreams and fears. Some of them relate to memories I have, people in my past or people around me. Yet others deal with my needs for protection, my fear of being locked in or shut out and my fascination with visible and invisible boundaries. I am intrigued by the process in which walls simultaneously define and shut out space. My work is about finding refuge, and freedom.

I take my inspiration from the everyday rhythms in life; how we move, interact, build, love and heal. And I'm fascinated by industrial structures and things that fly. When I was six years old, I learned to sew. This love for textile techniques constitutes an important aspect of my jewellery practice. There is control and intimacy in soldering and sewing; I am drawn to its repetitive and meditative nature. It offers a chance to slow down, to self-reflect and to experience a sense of freedom: that I can use the needle or flame to build, connect and repair anything.