Ingrid I. Van Der Meer

Born in Amsterdam Netherlands.Residing in Houston USA from 1999 to 2011.As a Dutch artist it took me nearly 40 years to realize that making art was not only for the artistically inbred talented artists. 30 years ago schools in the Netherlands did not encourage students using their ability to be creative. Global circumstances gave me the opportunity to develop my unconscious need to create.
Creating three-dimensional objects with metal give me the 'freedom' to express myself. The use of vitreous enamels add color to my work. I mostly work with silver and copper but other materials like gold, wood, glass, rubber, plastic have my interests as well. Many times my designs originate in my dreams. Always looking at everything that surrounds me, I get my ideas from nature as well as shapes of buildings or shadows on the ground. I like to use bright colors in my work since bright colors represent the way I think about life.
Most of my designs have a contemporary look, but I feel drawn by Art Deco and Art Nouveau as well. Sometimes I like to put some humor in my pieces. I feel like my creativity is my 6th sense that needs attention all the time. Knowing that most jewelry I make will outlast the maker, I like the idea that my pieces will b...

Metal artist Ingrid van der Meer is acquainted with all different styles of jewelry in Europe as well as in the USA. Van der Meer, in the past a professional secretary with painting as a hobby, started in 2001 taking jewelry lessons at the Glassell School of Arts in Houston and is since then addicted to designing and making jewelry. The style of her custom made jewelry is mainly contemporary and she likes working with one of a kind stones in combination with silver, gold and copper. Her enamel work is colorfull and makes a perfect addition to her silverwork. Recently her line of recycled plastic jewelry came in the news.Her jewelry has been featured in many national and international exhibitions and festivals and was published in several books.Past shows:2003 Glassell School of Arts, Student exhibition2003-2008 Asher Gallery - Museum of Contemporary Craft Houston 2007 Made in Metal Gallery Baltimore (juried show)2007 Hanson Gallery, Houston, HMAG show Artful Metal (juried show)2007 Lawndale Gallery, Houston, Day of the Death project 2007 - 2009 City Hall Houston 'Art on Loan' with painting Houston in Yellow and Blue (juried show)2007 Faces of Woman, Las Vegas Arts Council, Price Best 3 D of show for piece Lady in Art Deco 2007 Je...