My work focusses on the interesting ways in which people construct the narrative of their life through memory, their own perspective and bias, as well as idealistic imaginings. I’m interested in how our lives and relationships to others are bound by fiction.
After a short hiatus as a result of scheduling conflicts, I am finally back in studio. I had some grand ideas of what I would make, but realised that I didn’t have enough silver to do what I wanted. Note to self: make an inventory of everything you need before you actually get to studio. I managed to MacGyver enough material together to make this ring.
As mentioned before, I wanted to play with the silver balls/droplets a bit more in my design. This is an asymmetric, minimalist ring that I made last week.
It would appear that small pearls and minimalist elements have made their mark on my designs more recently. The instructor showed me how to make droplets/balls of silver. I think I’ll play with this technique a bit more next week.
As I mentioned before, I started embroidering a turtle sketch that I made a long time ago. I started both the turtle and the girl with the pink sweater at the same time, but go carried away trying to finish the sweater. The sea turtle is finally done now too.
Initially I wanted to use colour on the turtle, but I liked the way it turned out after I was done doing the outlines, so I added colour to the background. It took way longer than I thought it would – about 2 seasons of The Sopranos worth. As someone mentioned on facebook, it now looks as if the turtle is weightlessly gliding through space. Works for me.
*This piece is now in the collection of Eibhlín Ní Fhallamháin.
This is a simple little ring I made (again while waiting to use equipment in studio), because I like triangles and it’s super easy to do.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about the direction my jewelry work might go, looking at many pieces and collections by other designers, and trying to figure out what my “style” might me as a designer. I dislike the concept that a designer needs to adhere to a style in order to be recognised or stand out, but I guess that’s the way the world works. There is a growing trend in the market of dainty, minimalist jewelry. There are tons of really great designs out there. Some are really easy to make though – I know because I’ve tried making some of them. That’s how you learn right. If I start selling my own jewelry on a bigger scale, that’s probably the way to go – with my own twist of course.
There is however the artist/designer side of me, who wants to see what is possible with this medium, who likes to be challenged. Applying techniques and skills available to me, to create a piece that it truly original and unique – without being overly gaudy. The market for these pieces is obviously a lot smaller. These are supposed to be pieces that you attach sentimental meaning or value to. I want to explore that side of this trade as well.
To me design – in any field – is figuring out how to create something with the resources, skills and techniques available. It’s a process of solving a problem; having and idea of what you want to achieve and then figuring out the best way to apply techniques, materials and skills at your disposal to replicate the image in your mind. I want to explore that side of this art/trade as well.
The following piece falls into the second category of my designs; the once off originals. I mentioned in the previous post that I want to make series depicting endangered animals or habitats.
This piece was inspired in part by a piece of art by Arymiss which I recently acquired, in part by the Monstera plant making quite the comeback – I am not immune to trends – and, as my mother pointed out, because it’s reminiscent of our lush, tropical garden in Mpumalanga, where I was born.
I mentioned before that I want to explore layering and “story telling” a bit more in my jewelry making. Here’s a manta ray or devil fish against an organic background. When turned around, the manta ray then appears to be under water or hidden.
I want to do a series depicting endangered or threatened creatures or habitats.
I mentioned that I would start embroidering the sea turtle sketch next, and though I did start on it, I got sidetracked and completed this one instead. It’s one of my temptress sketches, but she’s wearing a sweater instead of a corset. I watched the last three seasons of The Wire while doing this one.
Detail:
*This piece is now in the collection of Rosalie and James Knaack.
Suné Horn 
You must be logged in to post a comment.