Reflections
This artpiece Reflections, is a site-specific artwork, specially designed for this location and entirely handmade. The title 'Reflections' refers both literally to the reflection of sunlight and water in the tiles, as well as figuratively to the act of reflecting on daily life. This space invites one to daydream and reflect, adding an extra dimension to the experience.
inspiration
The endless reflection of sunlight on the water was the inspiration for this artwork. When you look over a body of water, you see the continuous glint of sunlight. I tried to capture this gleam by adding extra relief to the tile tableau with small raised square tiles. These tiles were treated with a special pearl glaze. The difference in relief and glaze causes the light to fall differently on the tableau each time, creating an interpretation of the glimmer of sunlight on water.
oxides .
The walkway leading to the artwork begins at street level and descends 150 cm below the water's surface. The water surrounding the path visually flows into the tableau because it is composed of the same colors. The glaze translates the character of water into ceramics, with the glazes on the tiles taking on the various hues of the water. These glazes are made using natural materials: oxides. During the firing process at 1250 degrees, beautiful patterns and color gradations are formed. The distinctive nature of the oxides makes each tile unique; no two tiles are the same.
dynamics
Continuous change is the essence of this artwork. Its appearance shifts with the position of the sun, the time of day, the weather conditions, the seasons, and the viewer's perspective. Every moment of the day brings a different lighting of the work. When the sun rises in the morning, the ceramics take on a different hue than in the setting evening sun. On a rainy autumn day, the ceramics will display different colors compared to a sunny summer day.
council of Harderwijk
The municipality of Harderwijk developed the historic boulevard along the Wolderwijd in 2020/2021. In collaboration with council of Harderwijk and landscape architects VIC Landscapes I was asked to design and create a piece of artwork for a unique walkway that is set into the water. The artwork, REFLECTIONS, is located at the end of this distinctive path. The path begins at street level and descends to 150 cm below the water’s surface. At the end of this walkway, the ceramic artwork, has been realized.
De Wijde Wellen
The Wijde Wellen is more than just a walkway along the waters of the Wolderwijd. It offers the opportunity to enjoy a route with expansive views from various seating areas, each with its own unique character. This experience can only be found in Harderwijk, nowhere else in the Netherlands. It is a unique combination of lingering, walking, and cycling between the water and an ancient city wall.
promenade
Het begin van de promenade vormt een directe verbinding met de boulevard en ligt bij het Beachhotel Monopole. Tegenover dit hotel wordt een grote houten vlonder gecreëerd die dienst doet als terras, podium en ontmoetingsplaats. Hier kun je, luierend in een ‘hangmat’ boven het water, genieten van het uitzicht.
balcony
A slender balcony that rises above the water offers a vast view over the water, the distant polder, passing ships, and the waterfowl. The height of the balcony references the highest water level ever reached by the former Zuiderzee. Through a carved-out path leading into the water, one can reach the bed of this once bustling body of water, providing a unique perspective at the level of the swans swimming by.
winter
In the winter, skaters can enjoy an official Dutch National Championship 333-meter ice rink. In the center of this track, there are several small islands with seating edges, where skaters can glide to take a break. Here, they can relax and enjoy a warm treat from a kiosk located on one of the islands.
seasons
In summer, winter, autumn, and spring, nature follows its timeless course here. Modern forms framed by the history carried by the Wijde Wellen. This area serves as an example for the rest of the Netherlands, demonstrating how the old and the new blend harmoniously together. It is both expansive and intimate at the same time.
future
The unique combination of water, history, architecture, creativity, and the input of residents shapes the future of the Wijde Wellen. It is an area where the old and the new come together in harmonious balance.
more information https://www.dewijdewellen.nl
Vic Landscapes: https://www.viclandscapes.nl
