Setting Goals and a Series

With the new year approaching, new work is on the menu. I wanted to find a way to keep myself challenged, and have fresh new work each month for the gallery I am selling in. 

 

So I am committing to my first, real deal, year long, series.  (thanks to this post from Barbara for the nudge )http://www.lovemyartjewelry.blogspot.com/2012/12/working-in-series-as-jewelry-artist.html

 

The Sun in the Stars- a zodiac and birthstone inspired series.

 

I will make a couple pieces each month for the gallery.  Each one will have the symbol of that months zodiac, the name of the brightest star in that constellation (to remind the wearer to shine brightly) and the birthstone from that month (covering all month / zodiac combo's).  I am also creating each piece with with the characteristics of that horoscope. 

 

Here is the information I used to create my first piece:

 

January / Garnet / Capricorn

 

 

The wire work in the piece is the Capricorn symbol

 

The charm at the end of the chain has the brightest stars name and a sterling silver star on it.

 

Characteristics of Capricorn that I used in this piece were consistency, ambitious, and that they slowly but surely climb to success.

 

 

 Now I am heading back to the studio to make another piece in in this combination.  Then an Aquarius in garnet, and then Aquarius with Februarys stone, Amythest.  So, this challenge of a series should keep my plenty busy, and thouroughly challenged.  I am so excited about this year long project!

 

 

Wish me luck!

 

And if you are in Allentown New Jersey, check them out in person at the Copper Frog Gallery.  There are some wonderful artists in there!

 

HIstorical Meaning

by Barbara Bechtel

Throughout history, many religions and cultures have used jewelry as a means of imparting cultural and religious symbols and patterns into their work. However, you don't have to be a world traveler or an anthropologist to find inspiration for your own artisan made jewelry. The internet and your local library offer a wealth of research options to find meaningful and beautiful symbols to inspire your own work....

Here are just a few that have inspired me over the years....

 The Maasai women have long been known for their intricate beaded designs and body modification.  Originally, the delicate beads and their colors came from traditional means such as bone, stone, and horn but lost favor when trading with Europe and they were able to gain access to larger quantities of their now favored opaque Czech glass.

Tradtional Japanese Netsuke and their counterparts, Ojime and Inro, were intricately carved adornments for the obi. Generally serving as a closure (much like a button) for a small pouch, this unique art form is still a popular craft and art form today. Traditionally, they depicted popular animals, deities, nature, and even professions or popular subjects of the day.

You need not look any further than your own personal religious beliefs to find beautiful symbols. To expand on this idea, consult historical and religious texts or references to find variations of symbols through out history. In addition to the traditional symbols, look for other symbolic references in the stories of different religions, in example the rainbow in Christianity or the Hamsa in many different religions.

Indigenous cultures and tribes throughout the world often used symbols in their writings, weavings and jewelry. Research into different groups can not only inform your work but also enlighten you about art history!


Here are some additional references to get you started:

PBS: Craft in America : Not only does this series research the rich history of American Craft; many episodes highlight artists working in traditional methods and symbology of their cultural heritage.

Signs and Symbols in Christian Art: This book is a wonderful reference for traditional symbols used throughout art history. Also a great reference if you enjoy western art history.

Religious-Symbols.net: Is a great basic site that overviews different religious symbols and their meaning. A great jumping point for your research.

If you have any wonderful references, I'd love to hear them below!

Drawing Meaning......

Finding and connecting with personal symbols in your jewelry and components is a wonderful way to make lasting connections between the work you make and the person wearing it.

As I prepare new bead and jewelry designs, I thought I would give you a glimpse into the process that goes on behind the designing of many of my beads.....

Most mornings, I spend some time at my desk, reading for 10-15 minutes and doing a bit of sketching for another small time. Taking a bit of inspiration from Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way habit of morning pages, this helps me organize my thoughts for the day and prepare me for the direction of my day.

I began these elephants after I sketched a similar Indian inspired elephant in my sketchbook. For me, elephants have recently become a personal symbol I am identifying with as I learn to listen more (large ears), speak less (the small mouth of the elephant), and be strong in the face of adversity (their imposing size).

Rainbows have long been a symbol in many different religions and cultures. After doing some chakra research, I am making sets of these carved nuggets to be used in some new jewelry designs as well as a bead offering as I prepare for BeadFest.

Are symbols important in your work? Do you seek to find beads and components that will draw meaning between the wearer and the jewelry?