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Contemporary Fine Arts and Jewelry
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shrine brooches:
AN ODYSSEY IN METAL AND STONE
Using a traditional jewelry of a brooch, these twelve pieces live in a shrine (a frame setting) when not worn. Concept narrative pieces designed over time while experiencing world cultures and ideas. The last three in this collections, “Geo-Politics”, “Capitalism”, and “Delicate Balance: Democracy” reflect conditions and concerns of the future beyond 2025.
"FOSSIL RECORD 1"
Reminds the viewer of prehistoric animal existence (petrified dinosaur bone) set beneath the earth’s strata (Mokume: the semi-wood-grain effect of Copper and Silver). Slate is used to reinforce the idea of the Earth and the prehistoric timetable bar (Mokume) appears.
Sterling Silver, Mokume, Slate, Petrified Dinosaur Bone
2 1/2" x 2"
"CAPITALISM"
“Blue chip stock (Lapis Lazuli)” on the mantel above the Stock Market Analysis (etched silver zig-zag) hangs below a gold bar. Precious commodities are locked in the bank vault (bezeled mosaic stones). The hanging chain give a warning of the evil of greed.
Etched Sterling Silver, 14k, Mosaic: Sodalite, Jaspar, Tiger Eye, Lapis Lazuli
2" x 2 1/2"
"DELICATE BALANCE DEMOCRACY"
Similar to academic life with bricks and mortar (silver etched sheet). Hanging from the symmetric balance point is the pyramid (Lapis Lazuli). Much is at stake: a gold bar (14K) is centered across the piece. The blue (anodized aluminum) is the individual spirit keeping the balance. On the back the silver etched feather pattern symbolizes wings to fly (freedom).
Etched Sterling Silver, 14K, Lapis Lazuli, Anodized Aluminum
2 1/4" x 2 1/2"
"EARTH, AIR, WATER"
“Earth” captured in the iridescence of the Labradorite stone, “Water” symbolized by the stylized waves of blue of the Anodized Aluminum, “Air” surrounding the water.
Sterling, Anodized Aluminum, 14K, Labradorite
2 1/2" x 2"
"INTELLECT"
Symbols represented are man’s need for: 1. Knowledge (crown/wreath) and Refinement (the structure) 2. Creative Expression (blue anodized aluminum strip) 3. Diversity (stone can hang in two directions).
Sterling, Anodized Aluminum, Lapis Lazuli
2 1/2" x 2"
"EARTH AND MOON"
Earth and Moon before man. Earth seen from a distance on a symbolic slab of slate: the mysterious Moon (moonstone) hangs from a geological timetable bar.
Sterling, Anodized Aluminum, Mokume, Slate, Moonstone
2 1/2" x 2"
"SPIRIT HOUSE"
Inspired by their real existence in Thailand. The miniature structure (Spirit House) is prepared before building a more major structure. This is a true shrine, asking permission for the a safe dwelling space. Even big businesses in Thailand first build a “Spirit House”. The formal crossbars are the architectural matrix. The lively stone (tiger eye matrix) is the human aspect and the gold bar between two square tubes symbolizes balance in owned objects. The anodized aluminum painterly sheet express man’s creative, spontaneous side.
Sterling, Anodized Aluminum, 14K, Tiger Eye Matrix
2 1/2" x 2"
"ENDANGERED SPECIES"
Points to the emptiness man is creating by insensitivity to the Animal Kingdom (Ivory). Man could become trapped over time. The Mokume is Earth’s time bar, the metal bars hang down from the slate symbolizing Earth.
Sterling, Mokume, Slate, Ivory
2 1/2" x 2"
"GEO POLITICS: THE WORLD INTERACTING POLITICALLY"
The world (banded onyx) hangs from self-imposed walls (etched brick pattern) directed in part by Military (the “Lieutenant’s Bar” in the upper right of this “badge”). Hope is in the movement of the two striped copper and silver hanging bars. They show integrated diversity. Integrated because they are somewhat alike; diverse because they can move independently.
Sterling, Etched Silver, (Mokume), Banded Onyx
2 1/2" x 2"
"SCIENCE"
Science as the interpretation of nature. Here the manmade crystal patterns (etched silver) interpret nature’s “Rutilated Quartz”.
Sterling, Etched Silver, Slate, Rutilated Quartz
2 1/2" x 2"
"TECHNOLOGY"
Encouraging IMAGINATION with TECHNOLOGY is the key to HUMAN PROGRESS. In a broader sense, TECHNOLOGY with imagination and integrity can solve problems that provide growth and positive outcomes for an elevated human existence. You can turn this piece to a vertical position and see where your imagination takes you. Maybe you find a PET COMPANION.
Sterling, Etched Silver, Anodized Aluminum, Slate, Quartz
2 1/2" x 2"
"FAMILY"
Parents and three children. To the side the colorful Anodized Aluminum shows creative spirit and individualism. Feldspar Moonstone (oval) can hang from more than one direction, symbolizing growth while remaining part of the original connection (family).
Sterling, Anodized Aluminum, 14K, Feldspar Moonstone
2 1/2" x 2"
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