deeper ideas & on going investigations

i tend to be creative in one of two ways. i have spurts of inspiration that result in a breadth of ideas and designs -or- i find inspiration by exploring deeper into one design or line of thinking. these THIN bracelets are derived from the TOPO bracelets - three individual bracelets forming one collective piece that creates space & volume that changes based on the way they fall around one's wrist. but thinner for comfort when working at a computer or writing a letter ;)

also inspired by the TOPO bracelet/s are some new wood versions that incorporate layering and more extensive hand finishing. this 3 layer bracelet is solid basswood.

these 5 layer bracelets accentuate the layer/ply effect and are made of solid basswood, walnut and purple heart. i've removed the dark-burned laser-cut edge by sanding them smooth which gives them an entirely different look and feel (to the touch)

the round 5-layer version is the most exciting derivation, where the topographical effect is found inside the bracelet like a secret gem not noticed by everyone. i'm currently exploring these methods and ideas even further...

i've also been considering and exploring the idea of VOLUME within a flat structure/frame. these sketches are from mid-january as i began brainstorming for the voltage show. while many of my original ideas from that time were scrapped in order to better compliment arwyn birch's collection, the sketch below made it into the show in the form of prototypes.

even with this simple concept, there are a myriad of decisions and options to consider. for this prototype piece, i used a thicker satin-y fabric as the volumetric portion. i hand stitched the fabric into a tube and then hand stitched it on each end to the acrylic frames. i added 2 additional layers of acrylic on each end to balance the proportions and to conceal some of the stitching so that it wasn't the first visual impression, without entirely covering it up.

the earrings that i paired with the bracelet were different than i originally conceived, but turned out to be quite powerful on the runway - looking almost like lanterns. ----

there are many details that i am working through on this set and i am trying to find the balance between precise-cut components and the organically driven, exhaustive hand-work that ties the rigid with the fluid. i find this both challenging - and rewarding...

bottom right photo by promotion house