This is a hinged, sectional neck piece with a hollow-formed center section built up from a spiral around a section of copper tube. The center piece depicts a space ship spiraling in to the empty negative space, maybe a black hole. And, within the spiral are patterns with an almost tribal look to them. Also, there is a ruby that is at the source, maybe a red planet.
Lost in Space; Sterling silver, copper, Norwegian Moonstone Jasper, lab ruby
The four cabs are set in bezels on each side. The stones are Norwegian moonstone, which is actually a type of jasper. Besides its cool cosmic name “moonstone,” it has a Northern European country in its name, which brings to mind stories of Valhalla, gods and goddesses, and ancient stories.
I’ve done a few other pieces, lately, using this Lost in Space theme. I like the idea of using negative space in a hollow formed piece, and I like the play on the spiraling space ship with it. Personally, I have never been lost, as far as not knowing where I was type of lost. I am usually of the mindset that I am right here; therefore, how can I not know where I am? But, at times I have been in situations where I don’t know what exactly is expected of me. Most of us have heard of being lost in love, lost in circumstance, or lost in translation. At times in my life I have questioned my own decisions, wondering where it will lead me. In previous works, I have used the symbol that I call the rocketfish to create metaphors about travel or sojourns. So, it only seemed natural that I use the symbol with this idea.
I created this one with the idea of using a leather strap to tie the piece around the neck. I think that seeing the bow of leather on the back of the neck is sexy. But, my girlfriend and marketing expert made me question how I should finish this one off. I tried beads and a few different styles of hand-made chains, but I kept falling back on my original idea. If someone wants to change the way it is hung, they are perfectly welcome to do so, but the way the design works now has more of a unique look with the combination of hinged metalworks and primitive leather. And, if someone should be opposed to leather for some reason, I have a silk cord that can be used as well.
If the concept of “Lost in Space” has a different connotation to you, please share. Or, let me know what you think. I hope you enjoyed.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks Steve and Vicki.
I love to hear how things are received. I like the leather as well, and my patrons seem to also like the leather. I do always have a few handmade clasps on hand. I will have to come up with one with a rocketfish on it :o) But, for myself, I really like the flexibility of tying the straps for more adjustablity. But, I probably won’t be wearing this one, lol.
Thanks Steve, I am always striving for excellence, but I can always do better :o) However, I believe it is the little tell-tale signs of my hand that makes the work special. Someone asked me the other day why I don’t buff out all of the hammer marks and polish to a luster. I believe that it is these marks that make up part of the work’s story :o)
Thanks again, you guys. I appreciate it :o)
Really nice, Michael. Your designs are so imaginative and unique. I like the way it looks kind of primitive, but at the same time displays excellent craftsmanship.
i do like the leather with it, maybe you could make a clasp with a rocketfish on it.
Vicki
Thank you, yes things have been going very well. Lora sells my work sometimes before I can get a good picture of it. And, I can’t blog without a good picture :o)
All in all, I have absolutely no complaints. However, I have missed blogging and interacting with you guys.
I was torn between using the lab ruby or one of my naturals. The labs just look so awesome. But, I decided to save the naturals for works that are more about just the stones :o)
Nice looking with the hinges. Nice stone and the center section with the tube set stone sets the piece off nicely. Haven’t seen much from you lately, must mean you’ve been busy so sales must be good.