Art that resonates builds a new world.
Compelling narratives, distinct aesthetics, and recognizable themes capture audience imaginations.
If ingesting a gold earring would let you see alternate versions of yourself - versions of yourself had you made different choices in life - would you put it in your mouth?
That’s not a question from a deranged jeweler (well, I guess it might be), but a question borrowed from the Cosmere universe of author Brandon Sanderson. For the past twelve months, I’ve only read his books. His stories are masterclasses in world-building where characters can ingest and burn metals to gain powers (Mistborn series), paint living nightmares to subdue demons (Yumi and The Nightmare Painter), or take people’s Breath to bring inanimate objects to life (Warbreaker).
He’s the first author in my adult life that has gripped my attention so completely. His epic tales transport you to strange new planets with their own rules and struggles.
His work resonates so strongly because with each piece of art, he builds a new world.
New worlds are created through compelling narratives, distinct aesthetics, and themes that audiences recognize.
A Wes Anderson film, Damien Hirst Cherry Blossoms painting, or Studio Ghibli art (not to get too topical) are easily identifiable because they pull the audience into a distinguishable setting. The audience sees a window into life somewhere else.
For myself in the context of creating jewelry, my main takeaway is that it is okay - even very good - to make a piece unique and a bit out there. Audiences want to be transported and have their imaginations sparked. That’s why you can’t look away from unusual photographs, why a striking handbag can make you feel like you’re a new person. A popular musical artist has to introduce a new sound.
At the very least, it’s certainly more interesting on a personal level to explore new styles and try building my own little world.
Story of a piece: Dewdrop Studs
A few months ago I challenged myself to make a stud earring that is small and simple enough to wear on a daily basis. It’s funny because bigger pieces are generally pricier to buy, but the smaller pieces are often more difficult to make.
Almost every morning, I walk my dog Umi through a local park and often see drops of morning dew in the grass. It’s particularly eye-catching on wetter mornings when the dew slides down the blades.
I wanted to translate the soft sparkle of dewdrops into a pair of droplet-shaped, classic studs. To bring more visual interest, I incorporated a streaming texture that subtly catches light and had the earring fold back in on itself. I think they work well as standalone earrings or in a second piercing to complement another pair.
In the studio: works in-progress
I tried two new ring designs this past week. I like them both directionally, but will redo them to refine some elements.
For the first ring with the two loops pulled against each other, I love the tension in the center. However, I like how the left side has a gap and want the right side to have a similar opening.
For the second ring with the same knot in my Entwined Hoop earrings, I want to try it with just a simple thin band (instead of the roping texture I currently have).
What inspired me recently:
Warbreaker - novel by Brandon Sanderson that I am currently reading
The Bold Stream Doubled Earrings by Fernando Jorge
The Aesthetic Is The Art Now. - essay by Anu
This drawing by Sayaka Abe that I saw on a poster outside my gym
Drawing by Sayaka Abe Sakura season in Tokyo
