Interview with Hubert Schmalix
Mr Schmalix, this year, you designed a pendant for A. E. Köchert. How did this come about ?
Schmalix: In the 1960s and ‘70s, nearly every artist was creating jewellery as well. I wonder why this is no longer the norm today. It’s very exciting to work in a different métier, like jewellery, ceramics or glass.
Where did the idea for this head come from?
Schmalix: This particular head is a miniature version of a sculpture that I made a long time ago. My works mainly feature landscapes – but there are always bearded men in them.
A self-portrait? It almost seems to resemble an Aztec god.
Schmalix: It can be interpreted in many ways, of course. And that’s a good thing.
You had also designed a pendant for Maison Köchert a few years ago.
Schmalix: Yes, a disc. The reclining figure in it was part of a picture that I had painted at the time.
A key characteristic of your work is the use of bold outlines, which are also a design element of comics. Is that why you like working in Los Angeles so much?
Schmalix: Outlines are not just for comics. They have been a fundamental element throughout the history of art – just think of Egyptian art. The outline is the principle of simplification, which emphasises the object and gives it greater power. It becomes a narrative. Emotions without pathos arise, not least through irony.
Another personal question: Do you wear jewellery yourself?
Schmalix: Only a wedding ring.
Did you design it yourself?
Schmalix: Yes. But through the years and all of the work, not much remains of the original design.
Mr Schmalix, thank you for speaking with us.