Anne Choi recently updated her catalogue with a new mandrake bead with an ouroboros. On it is an ee cummings quote. It reads, "(when time from time shall set us free) forgetting me, remember me." In her update, she describes some of the interpretations and symbolisms behind the imagery. She also wrote about how she was curious to hear what others thought of it.
I've been thinking about this a lot. So much so, that I got up in the middle of the night and started to work on this piece. I couldn't sleep. As I wire-wrapped and pieced the necklace together, I pondered the bead and its meaning. To me, I think of memory as an ocean of thought, streaming back to the dawn of civilization and the first utterance of word. It is infinite. I see it symbolized as the serpent that swallows its own tail, much like our very DNA, coiled and twined unto itself in a spiraling double helix. It's a powerful force, that no single mortal can wield. A mandrake, symbol of magic and mystery brandishes the ouroboros. It is the Keeper of Memory. To me, it tells a story about the incarnations of knowledge and wisdom and the path of enlightenment, the way of the magician.
The necklace I made is composed of garnets, carnelians, cranberry pearls, "velvet ruby quartz", Swarovski crystals, ceramic from Keith O' Connor, and raspberry jade. I also included a large dichroic glass bead from my collection with the oxidized silver handmade chain and wire. As a clasp, I used a toggle from my family. I love all the textures and the vibrant colors.
7 comments:
This, this is beautiful like nothing else. The red beads and silver focal are so strong together, it speaks of the strenght of blood ties and the life force in us. I always love seeing your work!
Wow, your thoughts and your designs leave me speechless. Very powerful piece!
I really love e.e. cummings. That is one my favorite lines. Beautiful design and thought process, Andrew!
Your necklace is absolutely exquisite and your thoughts quite profound. I was always fond of cummings in school.
this is beautiful and very very powerful. the person who wears this must innately realize that it contains all of your amazing thoughts and workmanship, as well as those of the other artisans, as well as the words of the great poet. That is the person who will be drawn to this piece.
This peice is spectacular. A work of art without a doubt.
Such a beautiful piece! I love the rich colors of the focal bead.
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