Materials: sterling, bone, garnet
Dimensions: 1 1/2" x 1 1/4"
The pin/pendant was created for an exhibit involving marks and metaphores. Different symbols inspire people and I presented several pieces suggesting hands reaching for something beyond the grasp.
Photo credit: Patricia Lafaye
Patricia Jane Lafaye
Something Special in Silver
Safety Harbor, Florida. USA
I am a largely self-taught jewelry artisan who came to this quite late in life. I have taken inspiration from stones as well as metal, and my creations are centered with cabochons, pearls, and in some cases, rocks. Found objects are incorporated whenever possible; I enjoy repurposing items from the past. Metals are textured,oxidized and at times reticulated. My jewelry is in several up-market galleries in my area and interest is increasing.I have been reading the Orchid List since about 1999 best as I recall, and have learned so much from reading its postings and viewing its films.
Ganoksin hosts the jewelry list Orchid, with over 13,000 list members from all over the world, speaking from a wide range of technical and aesthetic experiences. The exhibition theme grew out of a desire to celebrate the creativity encompassed in this wide variety.
Artists were free to interpret the theme in any way they chose. Each artist could submit up to six pieces. Interpretations include uniting different materials into one cohesive form; intellectual and emotional “unitings”, where the meaning of the piece unites multiple concepts; the uniting of time - past, present and future; and a number that focus on the harmony created when uniting multiple materials and/or concepts.
The work submitted involved a wide range of jewelry techniques, from very traditional to very cutting edge, as well as using materials from traditional precious metals and gemstones to “re-purposed” and “up-cycled” materials.
The exhibition showcases 330 images chosen from entries from over 111 artists representing 26 countries.
Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Czech Republic, France, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, Serbia, Spain, Trinidad, Turkey, UK, USA, Venezuela, and the Virgin Islands
Many of the participants began their interest in jewelry at a young age. Some are relative newcomers to the field, and some have over 35 years of experience as professional jewelers and goldsmiths. While some grew up in families that were goldsmiths, and followed in those footsteps, others only began creating jewelry as adults.
