As far as design inspirations go, flowers are common. Thy appeal to a fairly large market segment as well. From posters to fabrics, from jewelry to furniture, Floral inspiration and realisation can be seen everywhere. So what is about flowers that make them endearing to us? Flowers, in my opinion, are symbolic of life and joy. They remind you that nothing is permanent in this life but still urge you to live it joyfully. This month’s Art Jewelry elements challenge is based on Sunflowers. I have created Sunflower necklaces inspired by two of the world’s most famous Sunflower paintings.
Sunflower paintings
Several artists have painted flowers – particularly sunflowers. But Vincent Van Gogh’s vase of Sunflowers and Claude Monet’s Sunflowers are truly exceptional. While I was drawn to (pun intended) Van Gogh’s Sunflowers in College, I was mesmerised by Monet’s sunflowers when I saw the painting at the MET Museum. Van Gogh painted his series of sunflowers to decorate Gauguin’s room in 1888. While their partnership did not last long, Gauguin’s appreciation for Van Gogh, did. In his letter to Van Gogh you can see that he valued Van Gogh’s sunflowers more that the fine work of Claude Monet.
However, I feel that both paintings at the outset focus on emphasis through contrast. While Monet’s painting is rich with blue-green leaves and red table mat and Van Gogh’s is mellow with a yellow with brown and a light blue accent This was the principle of design I adapted to my designs for the challenge. I made two neckpieces – both altered metal with coordinating beads. I chose my colour palette as yellow, yellow-orange, blue-green, and black.
Altered Metal Sunflower Necklaces
For the first necklace, I altered a store-bought filigree pendant with layers of inks and paints. I used colours like chrome yellow, orange, copper, rust, and bronze to bring out the details. I used silver tone ghunroos to match the loops and the backs. This also kept the piece from becoming overly yellow. As a contrast, I added blue lampwork beads with red and black stripes to mimic the mat of Monet’s painting. Glass beads in yellow and blue-green were added at my mom’s suggestion to balance the piece. The necklace is a waxed cotton cord with adjustable knots.
Impressionist Sunflower necklace
Impressionism is known for its bold strokes of colour that generates texture. For the next piece, I used bold colors like yellow and orange on metal along with black outline. I complimented the sunflower pendant with printed wood, fluted and gilded glass beads. While black is not a colour that you see in floral or botanical jewelry, I seem unable to visualise a sunflower with black. Maybe, if I had dark brown beads in suitable sizes and shapes, I might have made this necklace different. But I like the play of textures juxtaposed with contrasting colours in this necklace.
Both pendants are large (2.5″ – 3.5″ in width) and statement making and look quite grand when worn. I am yet to make matching earrings for both pieces. However, if you are interested in purchasing either piece, email or msg me. I will whip up some earrings for you. In the process of writing this post, I have come to realise that both the sunflowers look dowdy in the pictures though they are quite striking in reality. I think this is one of those instances were the piece looks better in reality than in photographs. What do you think?
*I made these piece in between two business trips and picked up metal coloring as it was the easiest to do. Now hopping around and looking at everyone’s work, I feel that I could have experimented with more mediums. I want to try weaving, felting, sketching all at the same time and my wish list grows.
Here is a list of participating artists. Do hop around to see how they have converted a common inspiration into unique ideas and products.
Guests
Alysen
Anita
Cat
Divya
Jill
Kathy
Linda
Linda
Mischelle
Norma
Raven
Sarajo
Tammy
AE Team
Caroline
Cathy
Claire
Jenny
Laney
Lesley
Sue
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