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A few years ago, I began a series of small vessels which were initially inspired by a study of historic Japanese helmets and botanical forms. These seemingly unrelated elements were fascinating to contrast, and have led to a developing philosophy about the representation of the physiological and emotional course of a human life in a botanical format, and the transformative power of art.
The textures and forms in these pieces are combinations of imaginary and existing plant parts. Many of the vessels are meant to hold scented oil, with the stoppers actually hair ornaments with long pins. The wearer pulls the hair pin from the container, withdrawing the oil and giving the piece a new life by placing it in the hair. The action of withdrawing the pin is much like that of the hummingbird extracting nectar from deep within the flower. This combination of form, action and content in the natural world is the basis for much of my work.
The most current work represents a passion for the captured moment, memories and sensory experiences in an allegorical format. I find the combination of the exterior world of individual perception (visual and tactile forms) with the interior world of thought, attitude and programmed responses in a cultural context an intriguing avenue to pursue. The challenge is in expressing these ideas in hollowware and jewelry which carry their own social and cultural associations. |
