A necklace encapsulating layered levels of symbolism, memories, and spiritual significance was just completed. This piece is an intensely personal, visual saga which puts the term "statement necklace" into an entirely new realm. The necklace was conceptualized and begun during a class that I took at Bead and Button on June 10 called Fabulous Found Object Pendants, taught by Richard Salley. It was a session that covered various cold connection techniques to showcase objects of just about any sort: Fossils, old industrial pieces, stones, whatever. Since I very frequently utilize these types of materials, I wanted to learn new techniques, variations on my existing knowledge and creative inspiration to execute and showcase these treasures.
I did some initial planning on how I was going to construct the pendant of the necklace. Careful observation will reveal that there were modifications during the creative process leading to the final product. These were just the first few sketches created during the project. Oh, and you can see some of my notes on materials and suppliers.
The instructor had structured the class around creating a backing for the pendant from an old jar lid, but that did not appeal to me. Something more refined was needed to balance the raw elements of the pieces that I had chosen, in my view. I also wanted more experience in creating pieces from sheet metal. So I fabricated the back piece from copper; texturing, doming, and antiquing it to give the metal rich, visual appeal. And I formed the frame for the back in the style of Richard Salley's signature wire work; constructed in three main pieces, and held together by two "staples."
Here are the pieces at the start of the project. A piece of bone, probably a fish jaw, that I found while wandering the beach at Jean Klock Park. A coin from Costa Rica saved from a vacation years ago. Then a large quartz crystal.
I did some initial planning on how I was going to construct the pendant of the necklace. Careful observation will reveal that there were modifications during the creative process leading to the final product. These were just the first few sketches created during the project. Oh, and you can see some of my notes on materials and suppliers.
The instructor had structured the class around creating a backing for the pendant from an old jar lid, but that did not appeal to me. Something more refined was needed to balance the raw elements of the pieces that I had chosen, in my view. I also wanted more experience in creating pieces from sheet metal. So I fabricated the back piece from copper; texturing, doming, and antiquing it to give the metal rich, visual appeal. And I formed the frame for the back in the style of Richard Salley's signature wire work; constructed in three main pieces, and held together by two "staples."This project sat on my bench for the past month after I got back from Milwaukee as I attended to regular studio activities, but the talisman beckoned me these past few days and I found the time to bring it to fruition. I domed the coin and riveted it to the the copper backing. The frame is held onto the back piece by a piece of wire which has five prongs, bent around to the front, securing everything together. That part took a couple tries to get the positioning and length correct.
I am a little ambivalent about the wiring around the fish bone. I haven't decided if it is too wonky looking or if the diagonal positioning is balancing. It may get redone at a later date if I still am thinking about it too much.
I had extra thick leather in stock at my studio, which really balanced out the weight of the mult-layered pendant well. Then, partly from memory and partly from experience, I formed the clasp out of copper wire to match the rest of the piece.
This necklace is rich, maybe even a little over the top, full of interesting design details, and resonating deeply with me on a personal level. The fish bone is a symbol of emergence from deep unconsciousness. The coin from Costa Rica is a personal memento of new experiences. Quartz is always appealing to me because it is powerfully protective, and enhances spiritual growth and wisdom. This crystal sits on my breastbone, between my decolletage, just above my heart.
