 |
This is an interactive sculpture that has three separate pieces
of jewellery which are part of the sculpture, but can be worn separately.
I had this idea of
making a stylistic hummingbird that would be sipping from a flower.
As always, I start with an idea, but I don't set it in
concrete, because as I progress, the form, the function and other ideas inevitably evolve in a different direction, – always.
One
constant is the mechanical work, so I start there with a vague shape.
|
| |
 |
From the beginning, I decided that I was going to use a lot of
titanium, mostly blued with heat, my favourite colour of all. Titanium is a technically complex
metal to work with and takes three times as long to finish off.
The titanium sheeting was cut to size
to be inlaid into a brass border forming the three wings.
|
| |
 |
|
The collar is set with multi-coloured gems and the 'bib is made out of titanium.
The titanium feathers are carefully shaped, then engraved and heated in the oven to 550C to
get the iridescent blue colour. From the titanium feather extend tapered brass tail feathers.
|
| |
 |
|
Here the basic design of nest is being thrashed out. I made
several versions before I settled on this one. This is where the pendant will reside. I wanted
it to have a glass lid. Much thought goes into the intricate details - there to be
discovered and enthral the observer. |
| |
 |
With experience one develops a hard earned
ability to step away from a project and acknowledge when some aspect does not gel with the
overall objective - a flexible mind is imperative in the design
development illustrated in the remaking of the flower.
I wanted to have the flower open up
to reveal a ring inside which would be easy to remove. That required hinges on each petal. |
| |
 |
|
The beauty of a flower is deserving of
many intricate details - the enamelled Hummingbirds - the brass inner petals and the stamen
looking catch. The Nest Ring is hidden in the flower petals.
|
| |
 |
|
The frame is made out of steel tubing.
I stick to the golden rectangle or there about
with particular attention paid to ease of installation on a wall.
This is the time when I
plan the final positioning and vine shapes in relation to the size of the overall sculpture.
The background metal is painted with an acrylic using a mixture of Windsor Blue and Black.
The frame is being painted with an egg shell black enamel and then I gilded the inside.
|
| |
 |
|
The theme continued from the wall
sculpture to the jewelry pieces which embodies a miniature wearable sculpture. The ring is
shaped from a solid piece of titanium. The lower right images shows all the 18ct gold
components that form part of the Nest Titanium Ring. The intricate details like the enameled Hummingbird and Rose set with diamonds is is exquisitely highlighted by the blue
titanium. |
| |
 |
| I drew out a spider master, keeping in mind that the legs
appear too long but will be in proportion once bent into position. The titanium spider is then
sculpted and carved with diamond burrs. Then the abdomen as well as the brooch base is
made of gold. These parts are then riveted to the titanium spider. The spider body is
decorated with Rubies, Garnet, Emeralds and Diamonds |
| |
 |
|
The development of the pendant followed the same introspective
path as with the flower. Stepping back and admitting that the enamel disk does not gel. Nor
did the idea of viewing the Hummingbird through a square window feel right. This to and fro is
is an inherent part of an artists existence. Finally the design that feels part of the sum
total - a titanium pendant with teenie itsy bitsy eggs protectively nestled in a nest |
 |
|
Within Nest lies the hidden Titanium Hummingbird Pendant. In the
corner the watchful eye of the Spider Brooch tends it's web
The Nest Wall Sculpture is made of Brass, Copper, Titanium,
Steel, Silver and Gold. The Hummingbird eye is
a 15mm faceted Amethyst with a drilled drilled in which a cabochon Garnet is set. Gemstones
like Rubies, Emeralds, Diamond, Garnet, Amethyst, Peridot, Topaz, Citrine. |
