Creative Chemistry
Exploring the timeless beauty of oxidation: Sanne Terweij (Amsterdam, 1984) presents artworks that fuse
classical and contemporary elements, embracing colour and craftsmanship by using tried-and-true materials
in a refreshingly new way.
Through her mesmerising colourful wall objects Terweij presents a unique form of design, alchemically
transforming metals into timeless art pieces that harmoniously blend geometric shapes with the organic
movement of oxides.
In her studio, she experiments with various chemical processes and artistic interventions, breathing life into
metals like copper and brass while exploring the oxidative properties of her materials.
Oxidation is an unpredictable process and only partially controllable. Navigating these paths leads her on a
constant quest for balance; a journey of finding acceptance in what is, and changing what she deems
necessary.
This creative chemistry, unfolding on the hundreds of hand cut shapes that make up her works, ensure that
no two works are ever the same.
It is the treasures within her material, in colour as well as in texture and reflection, that Terweij is looking for.
Transition is a common thread, and her process reveals her deep rooted love for old school craftsmanship.
She finds that the little imperfections you see when something is handmade, really give each piece its own
character.
Her preference for unconventional materials and her often bold use of colour make for unique and
recognizable pieces.
The path of her artistic journey, rooted in creative entrepreneurship for film and hospitality, has led her to
specialise in the art of ageing and patina techniques.
Her ability to harness the unpredictable, infusing it with intention and skill, yields layered landscapes of
oxidation that encapsulate the fleeting beauty of the world around us.
Her works' surfaces reflect and shimmer with the play of light and the changing perspective of the viewer,
offering them an enchanting visual experience that transcends time.
“In capturing the enigmatic beauty that nature gives us, I seek to create artworks that serve as a reminder
to also appreciate the small moments we too often take for granted“
While some things become more valuable as they age, other ageing processes are viewed as diminishing.
The process of oxidation, more often seen as undesirable and depreciating, is being employed here to
achieve exactly the opposite; to add unique value and character.
Beauty and value are both elements that can evolve and change with time, often interlinked.
At first glance, the brushed copper pieces appear shiny and unblemished, but upon closer inspection, you can
also observe the traces that time has left on them; scratches and dents that don't take away from their
beauty, but rather, give them a unique character.
Terweij’s artworks invite viewers to contemplate the transience of beauty and to look beyond that initial
glance.
