Ralpine Design

I had the rare opportunity this weekend to visit the workshop of two very special craftspeople whilst spending time with dear friends in Germany. and are creators of some of the most thoughtful, hard fought for, and awe inspiring pieces of artistry you will ever likely encounter. Their work is so dramatically understated, but with a laser intensity on process, meaning, inherent value, and craft. Both of them create truly beautiful artifacts I. Their own right. Here in this video we have the solitaire ring by Patrick, the antithesis of mass produced cast rings. He forms each ring from a single piece of the highest grade material, using filament cutting techniques; plasma coating, and lab-grade microscopic welds to form a band of unparalleled precision and strength. The band showing a restrained elegance that belies the incredible nature of its making. Pure class. Julia’s work similarly hides the complexity behind its creation. Here, and as with all her other work, she goes to enormous lengths to create these costal scenes. These are not painted vignettes, which would be charming enough, but rather are examples of fine marquetry. Each piece of the whole made from rare, naturally occurring, fungi stained wood. Each piece of raw materials hand pick from mountain forests around europe, lovingly prepared, selected, processed and individually arranged. These are exceptionally rare artifacts. It is also exceptionally rare these days to see true craftsmanship, let alone be in the presence of the individuals that have attained this degree of mastery. However, when you do the value and desirability of what they create is almost intangible. You feel it in your soul rather than in your head. It makes sense immediately on a visceral level. You feel the intent, you feel the inherent value, you can conceive the hours of dedication…. and, you fall in love with what they have made.