vinarust.com
Seattle, USA
This body of work explores the idea of exposing intricate internal structures with devices such as the cross-section or selective staining of cells. It is inspired by botanical illustrations and photomicrographs, imagery that has cultivated a sense of wonder in me: there is a musical quality to the cellular structures they reveal, themes and variations in the logical patterning and loose architecture determined by functionality.
With a diverse cultural background, and training in both the arts and sciences, I often draw inspiration from a broad range of sources, including the fin de siecle English illustrators Rackham and Beardsley, and the so-called “ethnic” jewelry of Southeast Asia and Oceania. My influences do, however, tend to share a common thread: acute observation of natural forms, and an appreciation for the tension between beauty and menace so often found in nature’s defenses.
Materials: Sterling silver, 14K gold, liver of sulfur
Dimensions: 10.1 cm x 7.6 cm x 0.25 cm
Piece for the velvetdavinci.com Pendant Show at Velvet da Vinci in San Francisco
Photo credit: Doug Yaple