Maybe they grew in a vain attempt to give shape to grief and loss. The Piccola Carissima series consists of seven silver brooches embellished with gold and gemstones.

In the aftermath of an intense working week with a group of student-friends in the forests of Bohan, in the Belgian Ardennes, these brooches grew in remembrance of the little darling of the group.

No longer being able to deal with the depths within her tormented soul, she chose to step out of this earthly life not long afterwards. She was one of the most talented young people I have known.

® Peter vermandere 2023