Floral Series
The inspiration for the “Floral” necklaces comes from
observing the fantastic ways of nature. I believe that plant life and the
natural world contain the ultimate perfection of design and function.
A pod or a flower in full
bloom is an irresistible beginning for a jewelry design. Nature has already
mastered the mechanics. My challenge is to interpret the plant and to make
a piece of jewelry. What is so interesting to me is that plant life can be
extremely complex and feminine and also be simple and quite masculine. The
color of plants is also inspiring, and I have responded to nature in many of
my glass color combinations.
This series is similar in
materials and techniques to other series which I have made. I maintain a
collection of glass which comes from numerous sources. The variety of
colors and forms in which I find suggest possibilities to me for its use. I
cut and shape the glass with machinery and finish the surfaces by hand
polishing or acid polishing. Cutting, filing and soldering in a traditional
hand-worked manner refines the metal sheet, rod and castings that I use.
Most of this series is made from brass and silver which is plated with 24k
gold. A few of the pieces are made of solid gold.
The wearability of my
necklaces is of major concern for me as well as the wearer. The scale of
the pendants very quite a bit to coincide with the variety of women wearing
the jewelry. The floral necklaces lay around the neck in a flowing chain
that relates to the pendant. Some pendants separate from their chains to
become brooches. Often I will make earrings to accompany the necklaces
because I like the wearer to have a complete look within the style I have
established when she is wearing my art.
I am certainly not the first
artist to interpret nature. Nature as a subject goes back to the origins of
art from cave paintings to stone venues. I am greatly influenced by Rene
Lalique’s jewelry, especially ancient Egyptian art to art nouveau and the
art deco periods. My challenge is to make jewelry that is significant
and completely my own. Only time will tell.
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