Spirit Dance Adornments

Hand jewelry--jewelry for the hand...Kelli Clarkson made me do it!

2012-01-31T20:32:00.000-08:00

About a week ago I caught a Kelli Clarkson video "Stronger." What blew me away about this video was her jewelry specifically a cuff--a "hand cuff" worn on the back of the hand between the knuckles and the wrist. It looked very ancient, very powerful...and something I've never seen it span the width of the back of her hand. What I've described is the best I can tell--even with pausing the video and trying to drag the slider frame by frame. I would share the image of it here with you but my technical skills are lacking.

After viewing the video the first thing I did was to try and find anything like it in images of contemporary jewelry and historical adornment. Again what I was looking for was not the design of the cuff but; the placement on the hand.

I would love to know if any of you have seen not only Kelli's jewelry but also have you seen wearing a cuff on the hand. I have to admit it's not a big leap to place a cuff there, in fact it much like a "slave bracelet," (really don't like that term).

So here's my first attempt to respond to the inspiration these images created with the work I'm showing here.

Beginner Lesson Prototype Design | JewelryLessons.com

2012-01-21T11:50:00.000-08:00

Great place for inspiration...here's one...

Beginner Lesson Prototype Design | JewelryLessons.com

by Jewelrygal

Uploaded on: Feb 04, 2011

Description:

This is a new lesson for beginner weaving I am developing. I wanted to offer some classes for those just starting out and have never woven wire. This is a simple weave that looks more complicated than it is. It is also easy to customize it to be more of what you want, ie, make the hoops larger or smaller, use different beads to change the color, etc... Copper and turquoise is classic so that is why I chose these materials for the lesson but tomorrow I'll make a pair in silver and different beads.

I'd love to know your thoughts. All critiques are very welcome.

Thanks!

Lisa

the true cost of handmade | somer sherwood

2011-11-23T20:34:00.000-08:00

the true cost of handmade | somer sherwood

By Somer Sherwood On November 9, 2011 · 448 Comments · In crafting, crochet, etsy

I recently did my first craft fair. And at that craft fair, one woman picked up every one of my hats, tried them on, and made a sort of a noise in the back of her throat indicating disgust. Then she muttered, “I don’t really like these hats” before looking at the price tag for one of them and looking at me over her glasses: “Do you really charge this much?”

Ok, I managed a retail store for many years, so I’m used to this type of customer. I’ve met hundreds of them, and I know it’s less about whatever she is looking at and more about what is going on in her own crazy brain. Some people just have this need to be nasty. But this was a little different. What she was cruelly and callously saying to me was that what I created had no value. My art has no value. It is worthless and ugly. And I won’t lie — it stung a little.
But back to her question about the cost. The particular hat she picked up was $150 and it was this one:

The offending freeform crochet hat: Lettuce Go to the Mothership. $150.

You can’t see from the photos, but it is made of thousands of tiny little stitches, all folding in on themselves and creating a pretty elaborate underwater sea creature type effect. It’s made of hundreds of yards of very nice wool in colors that I carefully selected and put together in a way I thought would be pleasing. I spent probably 18 to 20 hours making this hat.

So let’s do the math.

Without accounting for the cost of materials, at $150, I would be paying myself about $7.50 per hour for this hat. This hat that I created. This hat that is my art. This hat that is one-of-a-kind, that evolved from a tiny little round of crocheted stitches into its own Thing. This hat that I made with my own hands, that I kept working on until my hands began to hurt. $7.50 per hour. That is less than minimum wage.
Let’s add in the cost of materials, which were probably somewhere in the neighborhood of $40 for this hat. I used a combination of a handspun wool and some other more commercially available wool. That drops my wage per hour to about $5.50.

Now let’s consider all the other costs: sales tax, for one, which I don’t charge to customers (too messy), but I must pay on every item I sell. Sales tax in most places near where I live & work hovers right around 8.75%. So on that $150 hat, I will pay $13.13 worth of sales tax. My hourly wage is now $4.84. Is the customer paying with a credit card? That’s another 3%, or $4.50 I don’t get to keep from the sale of that hat.

How about the cost of the tags I make and print out at home? The tissue paper I wrap the hat in? The bag I put it in? My business cards?

I could make two of these hats per week, assuming they are all this intricate. Even that is pushing it; 40 hours per week of crocheting would be pretty hard on my hands and wrists. But let’s assume I make two such hats per week, priced at $150. My income? $193.6 per week, or just over $10,000 per year. And that’s before all those pesky other business expenses, like licensing fees, the cost of office equipment, gas, my craft fair booth display, and self-employment tax.

Can YOU live on $10,000 per year? If anything, I set my prices too low. And I acknowledge that. I do it because this is my art. I love it, and I will continue to do it, even if no one ever buys one of my hats ever again. I’ll just be that crazy lady who compulsively crochets a bunch of weird stuff. My future grandchildren can inherit all those bizarre things that crazy Nana Somer made back in the olden days.

If you are still reading this, I ask you: please. Next time you are at a craft fair, or on Etsy or another handmade site, think about how much work, love and time went into handcrafting that item you are thinking of buying. If the price seems high, I assure you, it is not.

EDIT, 11/23/11 9:22 a.m.: Due to the surprising, overwhelming response to this post, I’ve expanded on it here. Thank you to everyone who has commented so far! What a discussion! Lots and lots to think about.

Inspiration ~ Szarka and Magpie Gemstones

2011-08-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

All through this incarnation of my jewelry making, there has been one consistent--Szarka

and her Magpie Gemstones Network.

What I have learn from Szarka is;

authentic relationship that goes past seller and markets and to a fluid exchange of information, knowledge and share interest that sometimes takes the form of material goods.

how to be on-line...she is everywhere, as you can see from the list of URL's below.

note: One time when I was driving on the freeway I got a call on my cell phone from Magpie Gemstone--a male voice (I believe it could have been her husband, but I didn't ask). The person on the other end of the phone conversation called because my order had been returned to them and they wanted to make sure what was the correct address. (I have to make sure you know this was before all the concern about driving and talking on the phone. I wouldn't do that now.)

The following is from her Facebook Information Page:

About	~ Great Beads for Great People ~ http://magpiegemstones.com/ ~ turquoisemagpie@hotmail.com to contact Szarka

Company Overview	This fan page's purpose is to show you the new beads as they go in, to stay informed of specials and promotions, and to network with other jewelry designers to discuss gemstones and everything related to jewelry design. We have a $200 shopping spree give away twice a year to people who are signed up for our newsletter. http://www.magpiegemstones.com/spree.html ...See More
Mission	Why Magpie Gemstones? Gemstones and beads directly from the source, great wholesale prices, honest descriptions, excellent quality, and exceptional customer service is what you can expect. My goal is to help you succeed. If I can provide you with stones that make your product fly off the table, and get them to you at an amazing price then you will succeed and so will Magpie Gemstones. . .
Products	Clients Blog ~ Turquoise Magpie's Gemstones blog has a bunch of new gorgeous work by clients. http://www.turquoisemagpie.blogspot.com/ Go take a peek and leave a comment to encourage and support these wonderful artists. If you have any work to contribute please sens it to turquoisemagpie@hotmail.com Thanks Szarka http://www.magpiegemstones.com/home.html

Website	http://www.magpiegemstones.com

http://www.youtube.com/user/MagpieGemstonescom

http://twitter.com/#!/MagpieGemstones
http://www.magpiegemstones.com/home.html
http://www.facebook.com/MagpieGemstones

http://szarka.blogspot.com/
https://plus.google.com/117734861191480874345/posts

LETTER TO YOU FROM SZARKA

My Company strives to make this the most enjoyable online gemstone bead buying experience you will ever have. With over two decades as a successful jewelry designer, I know what sells and I use that knowledge to find unique, high quality gemstone beads for you. I have the resources and knowledge to get those beads to you at prices that will guarantee your success. With fast free shipping and a 100% money back guarantee you have nothing to lose. Welcome to Magpie Gemstones where you get "Great Beads for Great People." Thanks, Szarka

The Earth Has Weight

2011-08-01T12:28:00.000-07:00

The symbol at the center of the cage is from the Adrinka people of West African and it means "The Earth Has Weight." It is a reminder of we must live with care for this planet. Copper collar with caged wired stones. Two colors of green Aventine, turquoise, glass seed beads and Swarovski crystals.

Just Finished

2011-07-10T12:58:00.000-07:00

That's my sister Sharon Terry. She is my artistic consultant. The hair ornament is just completed. Early this morning I placed it in her locks and started taking photos. I made the earrings some time ago. I've made a lot of this style earring--different lengths, different combinations. The hair ornament is for the CCC Group (Color Combo Challenge)

Use Crimping Pliers to Tuck in Wire Tails!

2011-04-05T23:55:00.000-07:00

Also found this on "The Beading Gems Journal." Use Crimping Pliers to Tuck in Wire Tails!

What To do About Copper Jewelry Turning Skin Green

2011-04-05T23:43:00.000-07:00

I just saw this on Magpie Gemstones Facebook page. She is a wonder for information, jewelery making materials and outstanding customer service. What To do About Copper Jewelry Turning Skin Green

What To do About Copper Jewelry Turning Skin Green - The Beading Gem's Journal

2011-04-05T23:31:00.000-07:00

What To do About Copper Jewelry Turning Skin Green - The Beading Gem's Journal

A Decorating Idea for Winter Holidays and beyond

2010-12-12T21:20:00.000-08:00

Table cloths are key decorating items for holiday celebrations. My Grandmother Nettie made a cloth that helped me know her even though I only spent a limited number of days with her.

My family has picked-up Nettie's artistic way of documenting and remembering the people we share moments of pleasure with. We use Nettie's cloth for Kwanzaa--a time of remembering. Nettie's Memory Cloth is a way to celebrate Kwanzaa all year around and for years to come.

2010-11-06T23:57:00.000-07:00


	Ring Price List
	Sold 45.00
	Sold 45.00
	Sold 30.00
	Sold 35.00
	45.00
	35.00
	Sold 60.00
	Sold 60.00
	50.00
	40.00 (each)
	65.00 (each)
	Solid 50.00
	70.00
	70.00
	30.00
	Sold 45.00

Simply Greta fashions and designs...

2010-08-18T09:04:00.000-07:00

Simply Greta fashions and designs...: "- Sent using Google Toolbar" Original--for those who know they are original. Also great with Spirit Dance Adornments.

May Creations: Copper, Turquoise and silk

2010-06-22T23:45:00.000-07:00

May Creations: Pearls, Moonstone, Opal, Crystal

2010-06-22T23:33:00.000-07:00

May Creations: London Blue, Black Diamond and Copper

2010-06-22T23:09:00.001-07:00

FAQS

2010-06-22T21:43:00.000-07:00

To wear with Spirit Dance Adornments...Beautiful, sustainable pesticide free cotton.

FAQS

International Year of Natural Fibres

2010-06-22T18:26:00.000-07:00

Gemstones natural metals are the perfect accessory for natural fibers. Returning to the earth for a green planet and greener lifestyle choices.

Aché: Dancing with Afro-Cuban Folklore Master Juan Carlos Blanco a Docum...

2010-05-02T23:19:00.000-07:00

Jewelry design and construction makes my spirit dance, but this documentary clip of Master drummer and Afro-Cuban Folklorico dancer Juan Carlos Blanco by filmmaker Lili Bernard bring a whole 'nother meaning to spirit dance.

Rings

2010-05-02T21:46:00.000-07:00

A few one-of-a-kind original rings. The music is "Breath" from The Chronicles Project," by BZo Cavanass, my sister Sharon Terry's life partner. See and listen to more "Chronicles Project" at http://www.facebook.com/THE-CHRONICLES-PROJECT.

The Magical Muse of Eni Oken - Featured Artist of The Jewelry Connection

2010-04-22T18:42:00.000-07:00

Jewelry Displays

2010-04-22T08:51:00.000-07:00

I've been surfing for ideas for making a necklace bust to photograph my adornments on. I ran across Rena Klingenberg Squidoo lens Jewelry Displays.
I've followed her since I began this round of jewelery making. Rena Klingenberg, Eni Oken ( her jewelerylessons.com) and Szarka of Turquoise Magpie, Magpie Gemstones and on www.facebook.com/Magpie Gemstones. These are my virtual mentors and muse. Thank you ladies.

BeadCatz: What About Advertising?

2010-04-14T16:12:00.000-07:00

Nancy's blog entry has some great ideas about advertising. I'm trying some of them right now.
BeadCatz: What About Advertising?

Angela Dean's designs have something for everyone and they look great with Spirit Dance Adornments

2010-04-03T21:10:00.000-07:00

Find out more about Angela Dean designs at http://www.deanzign.com/

2010-03-29T20:35:00.000-07:00

No these are not the color of spring--they are the color of heat and spice. It was 87 degrees here today and it's still March. The weather and these earrings are calling out what is to come.

The Dual

2010-03-29T20:21:00.000-07:00

This ring is a reminder of the circularity of life even as it can pull us in totally different directions there is a connectedness. The multiple loops of copper wire wrap around the back of the finger and flow to the sides and over the top of the gray slab of agate that creates the focus of this ring. The copper wire is where the ring is adjusted. The jasper slab has veins of red and dark gray that give detail to the stone.

Facebook | Kell's Creations - Art and Jewelry by Kelley Pounds's Photos - New Pieces Spring 2010

2010-03-03T10:14:00.000-08:00

The following is not my creation but I do find it inspiring. Each element is lovely and combined to create a gorgeously unified adornment.

Facebook | Kell's Creations - Art and Jewelry by Kelley Pounds's Photos - New Pieces Spring 2010

Memory Wire -- Yes ! NO!

2010-01-12T16:51:00.000-08:00

Okay I started with memory wire early on in this last venture of mine into jewelry making. I started jewelery making in high school in the '60's so when the --reject all things manufactured--unless you recycled it or bought in a thrift store
evolved in the late '60's
early '70's, I was right there.

Back to my point--memory wire. When I started this latest venture into jewelery making I embraced wire wrapping and tried to make myself into an Eni Oken plebe. No stringing, molds or touches for me. . . also at that moment my job, commute and family life didn't leave me the time or access to learn these techniques. Then. . . there it was in my local craft store, a little plastic bag next to the beads--memory wire! And it came in 2 size--choker and bracelet and silver or gold tone or base metal. How could I not be attracted? And while it wasn't wrapping with wire, my first project-a delicious cuff of gorgeous gems on memory wire brought a lot of positive attention and a good price. I had it on display at an event to promote a class I was teaching. A future client followed me around until I (gladly) sold it to her. In fact I hated to let it go and she was willing to pay a proper price for it. I was very complimented and felt she understood and appreciated my efforts. By the way, I never took a photo of that cuff but I tried to recreate it with smaller stones and it sold for a smaller price.

It seems the main thing with memory wire is strategy,

organizing the order of the beads,
balancing the weight the components.

But here's the thing, there is something very easy and yet irritating about memory wire. Wire wrapped beads and beads that are strung (on fiber of any nature) flow around the neck or wrist. Memory wire is "there!" It stays where you put it. It does not caress the body it doesn't quite resist the body. The body and the adornment exist in the same space. I guess they compete and the job of the designer is to find a way to bridge the two, body and adornment, into one.

Wearing and making jewelery are visual and tactile acts, so let me move past words and to the visual but before I do here are my questions to you. Do you use memory wire? What are your feelings about it? Can it be tamed? Memory wire. . .Yes? No?

2009-12-21T20:29:00.000-08:00

I just saw the image above posted by Mei of Wire Bliss Mei (a link to her site is in the post below), she named the rings "The Eyes are Watching." In her post she said she was inspired by the work of Iza's "Ethnic Ring."

I was thrilled to see her rings because the theme is in the same vein as a ring I sold on Saturday. My focus was the "Eye of Horace." When the client tried on the ring we were both struck how much it looked like a henna painting on her hand. Staying in an Egyptian vein I am currently working on a set for her co-worker. The theme of the set is based on Hathor. As soon as I get a little more into it I will post the ring and choker. Love your work Mei

Wire Wrapped Jewelry and Tutorials by WireBlissMeiWireBlissMei: Ethnic Ring - The Eyes are Watching

2009-12-21T20:09:00.000-08:00

Wire Wrapped Jewelry and Tutorials by WireBlissMeiWireBlissMei: Ethnic Ring - The Eyes are Watching

Rose Quartz and Silver, rings, earrings, cuffs

2009-11-23T13:54:00.001-08:00

Lots of rose quartz and silver, my imagination ran wild

Ancient Funture 3

2009-08-13T22:31:00.000-07:00

A further exploration with yellow magnesite from Turquoise M agpie. The earrings also have small glass cubes and green-black jasper.

Guitaurus

2009-07-30T15:59:00.000-07:00

I talked to Gemi Taylor about creating a piece for him using the logo of his company "Guitaurus Music." Gemi plays guitar with Mandrill, has a soon to be released CD on which he is producing and performing and it features the poetry of Maya Angelou.

I started free form wrapping copper on the larger pendent-- 8 1/2" from top to bottom-stop!

Then I tried something a little more stylized, and I wanted to include some significant gems with the copper--turquoise because by this time I had been thinking about the idea of Taurus and steeping the mythology back a culture. Tarsus, Horus--hum! Horus the Egyptian mythical character was married--at one point to Hathor. Now Hathor wore a headdress of horns (bull) with the disk of the sun between the horns.

Okay good size 4". A sun stone at the top of the pendent between the horns. Green turquoise referring back to Egypt, fire agates and reconstituted turquoise detailing the outside of the pendant-stop! What is this I'm not sure. Go back to paper and I have to admit my father's drawing.

Okay, so now I have a template and some raw undrilled turquoise slabs my mother brought from a trip to New Mexico. The finished pendent front and back, 4 1/2." "S" hooks in the horns. Hope you like it Gemi.

Sankofa

2009-07-28T18:21:00.000-07:00

In this image the camera's light setting wasn't quite right, but the I'm including it because it best captures the sun lighting up the carnelian. The entire piece is made up of a carnelian ----- and a carnelian briolette from Turquoise Magpie, suspended from a brass frame. My client is going to hang it in her window. I call this piece Sankofa. It will make a gorgeous window and room display.

In the Adinkra African writing system of the Akan people of Ghana and Corte ‘d Ivorie there is for me one symbol that recognize more than any other that life is transformational. That symbol is Sankofa.

Of all of the intrepretaions I found regarding the concept of Sankofa, this text from W.E.B. DuBois Learning Center has resonance for me:

"se wo were fi na wosan kofa a yenki."

"it is not taboo to go back and fetch what you forgot".

The Akan Symbol Project at Marshal University

expands on the ideas of memory and knowledge with the following;

The Akan believes that knowledge must have practical bearing on the conduct of life. This is portrayed by the aphorism:

Nyansa nye sika na woakyekyere asie -

Wisdom is not like money which may be kept in a safe;
or,
". . .one does not collect wisdom in a bag,
lock it up in a box
and then go to say to a friend,
"teach me something."

This second Sankofa piece is a pendant

of onyx and copper.

The idea I'm trying to work on is --our futures are not shackled by our past but given flight by knowledge of the past. Because the symbol is interpreted as two birds

or one bird flying in two directions

or a bird and an egg.

I see the concept of Sankofa as speaking to the multiple identities we wear, the multiple paths we can and do choose to travel and as a result the multiple possibilities we have when we allow ourselves to hear and see the past and the future from the position we exist in today.

Here are a few more images I’ve used to inform my work with wire and gemstones. I love the stylization of these image.

Ancient Future

2009-07-12T13:30:00.000-07:00

Organic echos from the past to the future. No I'm not going to bling up the copper. The patina is in perfect contrast to the vivaciousness of the stones. These vibrant chunks of magnesite are from Turquoise Magpie's.

Even though I live 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles (and you can find everything in the garment district of L.A.) I also buy from Szarka's Magpie on-line store. Okay I'm addicted. The regular updates, beautiful images, excellent customer service (they called me to get the correct mailing address), speedy delivery, and affordable prices, fuel my addiction. It makes me feel very special to received the lovely little parcels in the post and I know I'm going to get exactly what I requested.

It's summer and I'm wearing these adornments to a summer night concert under the stars at the Levitt Pavilion (Pasadena, CA) enjoying "Vive Bazil." The music, the dancing, the crowd, we are all trying to find what is next in this world of seismographic change. Vive Brazil and these copper and magesite adornments remind me to remember the past as I live in the present and look to the future.

Simbi's Ring

2009-07-02T16:56:00.000-07:00

This ring was commissioned by Simbi Kali a brilliant comedic actress--3rd Rock from the Sun--and moving dramatic actress--Mississippi Damned--for which I am sure she will generate tremendous acclaim.

I thank Simbi for photographing the ring for me. Simbi is also a photographer who's work goes straight to the soul and is deeply moving. Simbi wore the ring to an opening of her show Fleur's d' Amour. . . take some time and enjoy her images and the music. . .but come back.

I also need to thank my sister, Sharon Terry, for her graphic work on the image to highlight the ring. Her work on that image doesn't begin to tell you about the depth of her talent so just click over to her site and take look. As sisters and artists we have collaborated on a graphic novel "Into Me See"please leave a comment while you are there, it will help develop the upcoming episodes.

Finally a little about the ring. The structure and support of the ring is copper. A small tumbled variegated amethyst is surrounded by tiny amethyst that reflect the color range of the center stone and form the first flower in Simbi's ring. Snuggled next to the amethyst are orange-red hessonite garnets and tourmaline in shades from pink to purple this group of stones echo the flecks of contrasting color in the tumbled amethyst. The orange reds, pinks, and purples form the center of a second flower with petals of citrine. At the end of the citrine petals are pale green Swarowski crystals. At the top of Simbi's bouquet of gemstones and cooper is a tiny cluster of flower buds of tourmaline in shades of yellow, green gold, purple, and dark red.

A look at the Majestical Roof Artist Market Oct. '08

2008-10-29T08:15:00.001-07:00

Art Market at Majestical Roof

2008-10-27T07:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Sunday October 26, 2008 was the monthly Art Market at Majestical Roof in Old Town Pasadena, CA. The weather was beautiful and the energy was perfect. Thank you Christina Berernal, Yvonne Russo (owners) and Lynn Graves, Creative Director.

The following is from the Roof's My Space site and gives a clear idea what you find at their shop and events.

"The Majestical Roof is a unique operation situated in what many find to be a wonderful brick enclosed courtyard at the corner of Fair Oaks and Holly Street in Pasadena. (88 North Fair Oaks)What makes the Majestically Roof unique is the principle motivation behind the business, "Supporting big ideas, locally" and "No Mass Manufactured Products" (No MMP).Building relationships with local small creative businesses is what this operation is about. Providing the artisan or designer, the creative entrepreneur a place to test market, launch a product, or just get a foot up in an otherwise dog-eat-dog market is part of the Majestical Roof dream. It's Small Mart Economics at it's best and it's locals only. "

The Majestical Roof is located at 88 N. Fair Oaks, Suite 102Pasadena, Ca. 91103(626) 844-8886. You can visit their My Space site at http://www.myspace.com/majesticalroof . Eye Level Pasadena is another blog that reported on Majestical Roof. They offer some some wonderful images of the charming space as well as commits by locals about the shop and how Majestical Roof acts as community members of the City of Pasadena and local artist. Also check out the Pasadena Weekly on-line for more details about Majestical Roof.

There will be another Art Market at the end of November. As soon as I get the date I will pass it on, because I will have a table there with wire wrapped adornments. I will be offering custom rings for men, women and children made to order while you wait. I will offer copper (my favorite) brass and silver. I have a couple of images of the stones and crystals you can choose from.

The owners said they are considering the economic times we are in and will offer a lay-away plan. Who said artist don't have a mind for business!

Continuing work on Memory

2008-07-06T16:42:00.000-07:00

Memorial Gestation . . .Woven to an adjustable frame, copper coils snake around my wrist like a vine of warm memories. Tiny hematite tubes and copper seed beads flow together into embellished spaces for memories to nest and be nurtured. The open spaces of this cuff are the passages where memories can be birthed. Two multifaceted crystals are conductors of light that radiates my energy to and from the cuff. Smokey Quartz provides spiritual clarity to identify memories and resist the lies of history. Tiny Hematite tubes and beads give substance to the gestation of memories of the past, the present and the future. With this cuff I wear my memories here at the pulse point of my wrist or at the top of my arm close to my heart. With this cuff I am reminded that memories must be allowed to gestate.

I have once again joined the Year of Jewelry . It is a ongoing weekly 'personal challenge' web project for jewelry makers, presented by Creative Jewelry Forums. When I joined it last year, family issues demanded all of my time. Despite the demand or because of it, I didn't stop wrapping jewels and metal, in fact I introduced others to the creative practice. Most importantly I found how deeply satisfying the process is for finding peace during chaos and excitement and stimulation in quiet and calm.

I've continued to work on representing the idea of the power memories. My last blog entry Friday, March 16, 2007, featured a copper cuff that began my consideration on how to represent the theme of memories. Perhaps more accurately, as the cuff evolved and provoked my thoughts on the theme. As you can see in the images from that entry, the copper frame of the last cuff is full of stones, crystals, copper beads and wire embellishments. In some ways the cuff represents the memories of a mature person, crowded, diverse and sometimes requiring a lot of work to gain access to what was. With the current cuff I had -2- goals. 1-to make an adornment that anyone, everyone could fit. The first cuff can only fit a person of size with large bone hands--in short a woman like me. The the new cuff is adjustable.

My second goals was to not fill every space possible with metal, glass and stones, but to leave negative space where possibility for new memories exist. Looking from the other side of my experiences from the last year I have to believe, show myself, that there is always time and space for the gestation of memories.

Why I wire wrap

2007-03-16T16:09:00.000-07:00

Wire wrapping. . .I was drawn to the process because it creates works that are one of a kind. Are there machines that do this? Can anybody tell me? For me, going to Target or the Jewelery District downtown (Los Angeles, CA) and getting a glob of manufacture metal and chips of stone like product just doesn't get.

I want stones and glass that have been rolled in the palm of someone's hands as they imagined how the living earth will unite with a living being. The concrete and conceptual. Heaven and earth. I want wire metal made malleable by the warmth of blood pulsing through veins and distributed to soft yet strong flesh.

I want designs that call me from the past and project me to the future.

That is why I wire wrap.

This cuff was inspired initially by Eni Oken's work. It also was inspired by the concept of Sankofa--a symbolic bird of Ghana that flys forward while looking back.

I didn't have a bracelet mandrel so I used a piece of PVC pipe to mold the base.

First step was to wrap 20 gage copper wire around the pipe 9 time. Then I divided the 9 wire loops into 3 sections, a top, a bottom and a center frame shaped into an oval and sandwiched in the middle. With 18 gage wire I wrapped the entire frame, squeezing the center back so that top and bottom frame meet.

Another length of 18 gage wire narrows the back of the cuff to a whisper. This is the place where memories are so ancient we don't even understand them anymore.

Then I began with the loops and the swirls and the twist, all created in 20, 22, and 18 gage wire. I left the center frame blank a wonderful negative space waiting to tell me how to fill it. This negative space represents the present and the future waiting for memories to be lived.

When the future and the present came to me it was in the form of red jasper. So I caught the three nuggets in copper wire cages. Not to imprison them but just to tether them for a moment until I can catch up with the present and past. More swirls, cooper beads and crystals, so that. . .

I Wear My Memories . . .
. . . here. . . on the pulse of my body, at my wrist or at the top of my arm close to my heart.
The cooper wire swirls and coils are like the arteries of my body, pulsating, alive with memories. . .living to make more memories.
The open spaces of this cuff, where the jasper treasures reside are also open for the possibility of new memories to take root.
The crystals are conductors of light that radiates my energy to and from the cuff.
I wear my memories here. . .with this cuff.

The Earth Has Weight. . .

2007-03-02T11:13:00.000-08:00

The Earth is where we begin . . .The Earth is were we end. In the Adinkra language system, the earth is the feminine and half of the whole. Combined the Earth and the Heavens are whole.
. . .the earth is where we have weight . . .the heavens are where we can fly. Our bodies endeavor on earth. . .our sprits rest in the sky.
Copper coils embellish the frames and give the earthy weight to this adornment. Rutilated African quartz serve as the balance and anchors in the focal setting of this bracelet. Picture Jasper caught up in a freeform copper setting creates the second element of this piece. The third element is a round slice of batik bone encircle with coiled copper and held in place by tiny cooper beads on one end and fine gage of coiled copper wire on the other end. The hand made free form clasp is also coiled with more copper wire and caught in a handmade copper eye.

All materials in the adornment are what give the earth weight:

Elements used in this adornment:

Jasper: stone of protection, heighten awareness, joy, balancing of physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual energies.
Crystal Quartz: Intensifies energy, spiritual development, healing, raises consciousness.
Copper: Found in adornments and tools crafted by the ancients the world over, copper has long been a metal of choice. Don’t be afraid of the patina—the green, blue green result of oxidation. Modern snobbery demotes the beauty and practicality of this metal. Those who allow their Sprits to Dance remember. . .and make a choice of copper.

Talking Adornments

2007-03-02T11:06:00.000-08:00

When your sprit speaks let it use the Adinkra language of the Akan people of West Africa. The Adinkra language is an ancient symbol system, today it is primarily found in Ghana. At Sprit Dance we have added a Diaspora element to the interpretation of the language. When creating our adornments we conceptualize each piece considering two methods of interpreting the symbolic representation of the Adinkra language. First, we employ the ideal of “Sankofa.” Like the mythical bird flying forward while looking back, we endeavor to fearlessly remember the sprit of the past while employing craft techniques of different times and different lands where the children of Africa have traveled and settled.