Cornelius Jakob Van Dop was born in the Netherlands but settled in Cornwall in 1973 and has exhibited at New Craftsman Gallery for over 30 years. A metalworker and Master Craftsman, Van Dop employs ancient crafting techniques reminiscent of Japanese, Egyptian and Celtic goldsmiths.
His exquisitely detailed and highly decorative copper, silver and gilded jewellery boxes and brooches are inspired by wild creatures, natural forms and childhood memories of landscapes, skies and moonlight.
Cornelius set up his own workshop, beginning with the creation of beautiful boxes using different metals - silver, gold, nickel, copper, bronze etc used for colour where appropriate. Pieces are cut-out, soldered, hand-fabricated, textured, assembled and polished. For a number of years he taught at art colleges in Canada and Britain. Now he concentrates on the metalwork and jewellery making.
Cornelius's work is influenced by life's experiences and the surrounding countryside and is influenced by Japanese metal work. A closer look at many of the scenes and landscapes he creates in metal reveal incredible detail, and humorous moments.