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A friend referred to this collection as "when stars and snow collide". I love this apt description, even though it has little to do with the original inspiration.
Many years ago I became familiar with the drawings of Ernst Haeckel, the renowned 19th century biologist and illustrator.
I was instantly smitten. His drawings are gorgeous, capturing precise details of flora and fauna from sea and land. I’m particularly taken with the ocean creatures, as a water loving creature myself.
Haeckel’s art remained in the back of my mind for years. Then, when I was working with a rep who recommended I create a line of jewelry to compete with the popular circle form, I knew I had to pull from this inspiration.
A simple circle was not enough on it's own, but embellished with the intricacies of a jellyfish or sea anemone, it comes to life.
I made the silver elements by hand carving wax into the intricate and detailed shapes. I envisioned a family of them living together, much like the diverse lifeforms in an ocean tidepool.
Named for the Greek mythological Sirens of the sea, I hoped to capture a sense of femininity, allure, possibility, and maybe a hint of risk.
Each form was first cut from a large block of wax into a rough shape with a jewelers saw, then filed and drilled and slowly born into a smooth yet defined shape. Details were created using a combination of tools I made and dental tools I found at a flea market.
I made the shapes to work on their own, or as a family. I carved each one to be detailed and complete so they look interesting from both sides, ensuring the jewelry looks good no matter which way it's worn.
Once I had my carved wax shapes, I sent them to the caster to be made into molds and cast in multiple, allowing me to use them for a variety of styles and designs.
The Siren Collection contains a variety of earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets.
Normally I design jewelry directly from the living things I see in nature. Though water themes often have a way of creeping into my work, it was a fun exercise to make something influenced by that of another artist.
I see a world of stars and snowflakes within Haeckel's ocean creature drawings, which brings me back to that statement at the beginning... it seems nature has a way of repeating it's best designs if you look close enough.
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I am grateful for YOU! I feel lucky every day I get to spend in the studio, experimenting with materials, exploring new ideas, and creating art. But if it weren't for you, this work would just while away the time stuck in boxes on shelves. Share your gratitude and enter to win the perfect pearl earrings.
1 min read 2 Comments
Fiona Manonn
October 04, 2021
I am looking forward to more such kinds of blogs as they are really mesmerizing. Thanks for such an interesting and wonderful blog.