I find that my making process is very similar to the idea of getting “dressed.” When I find a bead, rock, shell, gem, or other treasure, I place it on my body to begin to find the right way to “dress” it. Finding an appropriate accompaniment like a setting, linkage, or way of presenting the treasure is a balancing act. This necklace derives its name from the elusive solution to completing this composition. This necklace lived, unresolved, on my benchscape for many months. In a search for completion, the act of iterative play revealed the balancing fringe element that resolved this necklace. I find that “play” is the most important tactic in my iterative process. Play is imperfect, freeing and disruptive. Deciding there are no wrong answers, and having fun with components that may not end up in the final work is a lesson in letting go.
I find that my making process is very similar to the idea of getting “dressed.” When I find a bead, rock, shell, gem, or other treasure, I place it on my body to begin to find the right way to “dress” it. Finding an appropriate accompaniment like a setting, linkage, or way of presenting the treasure is a balancing act. This necklace derives its name from the elusive solution to completing this composition. This necklace lived, unresolved, on my benchscape for many months. In a search for completion, the act of iterative play revealed the balancing fringe element that resolved this necklace. I find that “play” is the most important tactic in my iterative process. Play is imperfect, freeing and disruptive. Deciding there are no wrong answers, and having fun with components that may not end up in the final work is a lesson in letting go.
2023
18” x 1” x .5” Quahog shell fragment, simulated turquoise, Larimar chips, labradorite briolette, sterling silver, 14k GF commercial sterling silver chain.
