Lace Ruffles

I am hoping to take part in the next Red Eye event happening in Durban in September. I will be making a bold ramp piece of jewellery which I am intending to make with layers of metal, lace and paper.

The ideas I have come up with take reference from the flamboyant lace ruffs, collars and cuffs that were part of the court costumes in the 17th Century. Needlepoint lace was worn as a display of luxury and elegance by both men and women to demonstrate their high class and wealth.

References:

http://www.marlamallett.com/l-needle.htm

The Greenwood Encyclopedia of clothing through world history, Volume 2, by Jill Condra

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Reflections

I am currently exploring jewellery as an expression of identity, and making jewellery as an expression of myself as the maker.

In reflecting on the bangle that I have just made, I picked up on two aspects of myself that are being expressed.

Childhood Memories: I grew up in Zimbabwe in an old Rhodesian house with decorative iron burglar bars. I would lie in bed and stare at the patterns trying to see if I could make other patterns within them. I have seen some reminiscence of the elements from those burglar bars in my work (this bangle included). The use of these elements in my work is a connection to my childhood and upbringing.

My Femininity: I like to embrace and celebrate my femininity. I think that the qualities of a woman, both inside and out are a beautiful combination of strength and meekness. I think it is important to note that the lace-look I have chosen for this piece is a rugged lace, not refined and perfect. This is a representation of how I feel that although the nature of a woman is delicate and refined, each of use holds a unique strength and character. We may have flaws and faults but it’s the little knots and tassels that when woven together create a beautiful lacework.

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Roughlace Cuff

I have been working on a bangle that sprouted from a wax impression casting I did not so long ago. It came out with a very lacey affect which set in my mind a clear concept for this bangle.

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Patina Copper Jewellery

Here are the results of some of my experimentation with patinating etched copper. Looking back, I learnt a lot about how to work with the media, and had fun experimenting without knowing what the result would be.

I like this little range of jewellery because I think it is a good example of how I take inspiration from feminine influence in the past and use it to produce female jewellery that is contemporary of today. In this case, the influence was floral wallpaper from the likes of William Morris.

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Platinum Cuff

Here are some photos of my Platinum bangle finished. I really liked the way the sewing could hardly be seen from some view points and in others it was very prominent. I also enjoy the way the two metals have merged with each other and it is not definite what is platinum and what is [...]

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Victorian Patterned Bangle

Inspired by a patterned clay pot I bought earlier this year (see older posts) I designed a pattern and pierced it out to use as an impression. When it came out on the pieces I cast it was so beautiful! Some areas had been pushed out of the pattern while others held and it had such and old worldly, Victorian feel. As soon as I saw the piece I knew it had to be a bangle! so, voila!!!

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Experimenting with photography

I‘m trying to figure out the best ways to photograph my jewellery. Obviously I realize this will change according to the subject matter, but I’ve been doing a little experimentation with different lighting and atmospheres. I by no means consider myself a photographer of any sort! but have considerably enjoyed this process 8) …. I am, however, struggling to decide on which ones work best, so I thought I’d ask everyone who views this post to give me some feedback on the pictures and what they think. Constructive criticism is very welcome and any suggestions would be great!

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