Catharsis
This necklace was made for a special exhibit. The opportunity of the High Low High exhibit inspired me to research Diné adornment history, specifically handmade silver buttons. This Diné form of adornment has been used in trade since the 19th century. A lineage which ironically frames the events that brought this opportunity to my bench. I felt compelled to leave these handcrafted artifacts intact. These objects themselves, their story, beauty and history allowed me to contemplate the covetous cultural appropriation of Diné silversmithing traditions and aesthetics.
Catharsis, came out of affirmation. Making this necklace felt like exhaling. I embraced the elements of this button and affirmed them by echoing the zig zags, arcs and circles. Treating it as a beautiful found object to be in conversation with being in a moment of kismet. Completing this necklace felt synergistic. As I sent this work off, it coincidentally marked an update to the story of Daman and Marie. One that hopefully came from the attention we as a community have paid to this story.
June 2024
Carnelian, amethyst, Turquoise beads,14k gold filled wire, ss chain and hand forged clasp, Diné button (sterling silver and turquoise).
16.5-18.5 inch chain(adjustable)
4 inch pendant
This necklace was made for a special exhibit. The opportunity of the High Low High exhibit inspired me to research Diné adornment history, specifically handmade silver buttons. This Diné form of adornment has been used in trade since the 19th century. A lineage which ironically frames the events that brought this opportunity to my bench. I felt compelled to leave these handcrafted artifacts intact. These objects themselves, their story, beauty and history allowed me to contemplate the covetous cultural appropriation of Diné silversmithing traditions and aesthetics.
Catharsis, came out of affirmation. Making this necklace felt like exhaling. I embraced the elements of this button and affirmed them by echoing the zig zags, arcs and circles. Treating it as a beautiful found object to be in conversation with being in a moment of kismet. Completing this necklace felt synergistic. As I sent this work off, it coincidentally marked an update to the story of Daman and Marie. One that hopefully came from the attention we as a community have paid to this story.
June 2024
Carnelian, amethyst, Turquoise beads,14k gold filled wire, ss chain and hand forged clasp, Diné button (sterling silver and turquoise).
16.5-18.5 inch chain(adjustable)
4 inch pendant
This necklace was made for a special exhibit. The opportunity of the High Low High exhibit inspired me to research Diné adornment history, specifically handmade silver buttons. This Diné form of adornment has been used in trade since the 19th century. A lineage which ironically frames the events that brought this opportunity to my bench. I felt compelled to leave these handcrafted artifacts intact. These objects themselves, their story, beauty and history allowed me to contemplate the covetous cultural appropriation of Diné silversmithing traditions and aesthetics.
Catharsis, came out of affirmation. Making this necklace felt like exhaling. I embraced the elements of this button and affirmed them by echoing the zig zags, arcs and circles. Treating it as a beautiful found object to be in conversation with being in a moment of kismet. Completing this necklace felt synergistic. As I sent this work off, it coincidentally marked an update to the story of Daman and Marie. One that hopefully came from the attention we as a community have paid to this story.
June 2024
Carnelian, amethyst, Turquoise beads,14k gold filled wire, ss chain and hand forged clasp, Diné button (sterling silver and turquoise).
16.5-18.5 inch chain(adjustable)
4 inch pendant
