Materials: Thurmanite (epoxied layered paper)
Dimensions: 30" long
Since Thurmanite is a unique material I developed, it is typically seen as an alternative/“different” material but relates to the variety of materials and found objects used throughout the history of personal adornment.
Photo credit: James Thurman
James Thurman
University of North Texas
Denton, TX. USA
For more than ten years, I have been exploring a process of using epoxy resin to create a composite material made of layered recycled paper, now called “Thurmanite.” I find both the conceptual as well as the aesthetic aspects of this material compelling, particularly as a material for jewelry. Throughout human history, we have adorned ourselves with materials found in our surroundings and I am interested in continuing that tradition. In pieces with Thurmanite made from solid colored papers, the material seems to be a lightweight and colorful stone of unknown origins. It is my goal that my jewelry is beautiful, wearable, and thought-provoking.
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.
