Finally I have managed to finish and photograph the soap pieces I’ve mentioned previously, after much mind changing and frustration! I ended up making a series of brooches, along with a one off pendant which really came about as a happy accident.
All of the work is intended to explore intimacy – which is the reason why I decided to work with soap, as it’s a material which ‘knows’ our bodies more intimately than almost anything else I can think of.
This neckpiece, entitled Intimacy, is extremely simple and the only materials used are handcarved and saw pierced soap, along with silk thread which has been unravelled and washed.
I loved the combination of the deep, silky, blood-like red when combined with the pure, matte white of the soap. So I decided to add nothing further to this piece and leave it as a very simple piece to get my idea across. I’m really happy with it!
The series below of three brooches (or ‘pins’ for my American friends!) is what I was actually working towards when I decided to create the Intimacy neckpiece above.
The pieces have been through several incarnations and went from back and forth from being a neckpiece to a set of brooches numerous times. Eventually I settled on the series of brooches and the use of the lovely Pears transluscent soap.
Again, intimacy is being explored, but this time in combination with secrets, with each of the soap panels used to partially obscure some ’secrets’ which have been etched into the sterling silver panels behind them. The only way to fully reveal the secrets would be to break or use up the soap.
Both of the above pieces have been submitted as entries to the 2007 Contemporary Wearables awarded exhibition. I’ve really got no idea if I’ll be accepted – competition to enter the exhibition is always very stiff and there are always far more entries than there is space to accommodate them, this really being the most important contemporary jewellery exhibition held in Australia (and only every two years!).
I’ve also submitted the first piece, Intimacy, along with the piece above, Velvet Locket for possible inclusion in the forthcoming Lark Books publication, 500 Pendants & Lockets.
The Velvet Locket is actually several years old, having been made in 2000. It’s constructed from two pieces of repoussed fine silver, over which deep red velvet has been hand-stitched. The clasp for the locket is a plaited length of cotton thread which loops over a freshwater pearl, both of which have been stitched to the velvet.
It was an incredibly fiddly piece to make and remains one of my favourites to wear for special occasions. It was also incredibly difficult to get a decent photograph of for some reason! Over the years I’ve tried numerous times to do so, but finally I think I’ve done it!
Oh Simone! All of those pieces are sublime.
by Meringue on 4 May 2007 at 7:46 pm |
What a beautiful piece, I hope it gets included.
by Sandra Eileen on 4 May 2007 at 11:28 pm |
Hi there, You’ve been tagged! For more information, please visit my blog.
Gina
by Gina on 6 May 2007 at 3:16 am |
I just found you through msbelle’s blog!
Your blog is a fascinating read, the depth of meaning behind each piece you create shows what a strong, unique character you have, and what your heart is focused on.
I can hardly wait for more!
by Shannon on 7 May 2007 at 9:50 am |
Hi Simone – love the blog. I’ve subscribed through bloglines and will definitely visit here again.
by Nora on 7 May 2007 at 6:29 pm |
The simple one on the red silk is just gorgeous. Your blog is a really enjoyable read.
by Stacey on 10 May 2007 at 6:30 pm |
I love your work anyway – but I am just thrilled to see the ‘other’ side if your creativity and talent here. Wishing you the very best of luck with your submissions – the thought processes and originality behind these pieces is clear to see. Wonderful work
by Gillian on 13 May 2007 at 10:26 pm |
Hey Simone, you’ve been soooo busy – it’s awesome! I love that vandal cup you bought – it’s stunning and I’m totally intrigued by your latest creations – the soap works especially. the white looks amazing set against the red.
Now don’t hate me, and you can choose not to participate of course, but I think it would be fun! you’ve been tagged! the rules are…
1.List seven random facts/habits about yourself2.Choose another seven bloggers to tag and list their names in your blog
3.Leave your seven tagged bloggers comments to notify them of their tagging and to direct them to your blog for tag instructions.
Lisa (estasketch) tagged me first. It’s actually been quite revealing…
I’ve also really been enjoying reading everyone’s 7 facts or habits… and it’s a bit of a break from being a grown up for a moment too. LOL. Hope all is well… xo Kristina
by inaluxe on 14 May 2007 at 10:01 am |
The soap pendant is gorgeous. I just discovered your blog this morning and am having fun reading. I’ve seen your shop on Etsy and really like your work.
by Christina on 19 May 2007 at 10:50 pm |
I just found your blog via the recent blogging thread in the Etsy forums… I have to say, your soap jewelry is absolutely beautiful- the translucent nature of the Pears soap is very intriguing!! I love the velvet heart, too!
by Jennifer on 7 June 2007 at 3:23 am |
What an innovative idea to use soap!! When I was in college a good friend made some similar looking “plates” modeled after a cast iron grate. Stacked them up and twisted them as a contemplative sculpture. It was gorgeous…as are your pieces! Good luck in the competition!
by Jenni on 9 June 2007 at 9:44 am |