A Figure Study

"An ode to the beautiful and fantastic Maria.
A true female inspiration throughout my life... You are my rock."

A celebration of the female form, conducted through a collection of woodblock and etched prints originating from my own life drawing sketches. Black ink on white paper they are very large and impacting on the wall with each print standing at 40 x 56 inches.
Some have been etched into persex by hand and others have been carved into wood by hand to get the lovely organic textures that the ink gives when rolled onto the paper.

Mikromegas

'The idea is that the placement of the planets at any given moment in time reflects the nature of that moment and especially anything which is born then.'

My design development began at the quirky notions and ideas tale of 'Micromegas' by Voltaire. One thing that struck me as particularly interesting is his reference to 'the Gemini'. This brought about thoughts in understanding the commonly regarded astrological sign throughout humanity. Even in this fictional tale written in 1752, our human race had a common understanding of zodiac signs.
This jewellery piece includes the materials brass metal and Perspex and uses techniques such as cold rivets (pin riveting, hollow riveting), hand sawing, sanding, hammering and chain forming.
The specific colours used symbolize the four elements in the zodiac system:
Blue: Water
Pink: Fire
Transparent: Air
Orange: Earth


They form a very structural geometric shape representing the outside universe and the zodiac system, which exists both physically and spiritually in the force of the planet alignment and astrology.
Connecting these geometric elements are the loose chains. These symbolize us as humans on the Earth. Our behaviour and movement is fluid and controlled by the outside universe.

Significant Rings

CONCEPT: When a significant other moves away a great sadness is felt.
The primary issue i wanted to identify in this project is the effect of the people who surround us everyday and the joy they bring to our lives by emphasizing the underlying affiliation this idea has with the sense of touch.
Initially this concept is explored in my pair of rings through the large scale of the ring and its predominant placement on the hand itself. The concept of tactility evolves even further via the rings surface treatment in a more literal sense.
The two rings depict different sensations through touch. The wire is harsh and sharp while the thread is soft and smooth. This evokes different feelings to the wearer, heightening the concept of the significance of tactility and how it can capture a feeling or emotion; the sensation of the thread appeals to a more comfortable softness, while the silver, twisted wire is uncomfortable and harsh.
This idea of connection to emotion is also evoked through a spiritual way. As the rings are a pair, a psychological connection is made between the two wearers. They are reminded that a significant other longs for their touch.

TECHNIQUES: coiling, sawing, drilling, annealing, soldering, doming, oxidizing

MATERIALS: copper, silver and thread