Tuesday, September 03, 2013

Special Ring...

I recently saw a news article about a comment that Christian TV evangelist, Pat Robertson, made about how gay people purposefully infect others with HIV with "special rings".   At first I was outraged by the narrow-minded generalizations that perpetuate hateful misconceptions and community divisions.  Once the comment was leaked (apparently it had been edited from the public broadcast), Robertson clarified his original statement by saying that a security detail in San Francisco warned him against shaking hands in the crowd to avoid the possibility of coming in contact with potential extremists.  The threat was that these activists would attempt a slow assassination by infecting the TV personality with the virus.

At one point in my career as an artist, I used my art to make social commentary about sexuality and psychospirituality.  As I transitioned more into jewelry, I gave up my soap box (for the most part) and focused primarily on creating objects of beauty.

When I heard about the "special rings" I decided to make a tongue-in-cheek interpretation that would thumb my nose at the fear mongering and homophobia.  The ring and setting are made from annealed copper.  I took a electron microscopic image of the virus and altered it with vibrant reds.  I glued it under a magnifying, pebble-like glass dome and set it in the bezel.  I wanted it to look slightly over the top and a little bit menacing.

Disclaimer:  I just wanted to make a note that this isn't a functioning viral deployment ring... nor do I have HIV.   

6 comments:

Unknown said...

The thing about Pat Robertson is that you just can't take anything he says seriously. He's a wack job, ( & don't get me started on his audience...). Your ring is the perfect response!

Anonymous said...

Aahahahaha! Brilliant. While it's a little too beautiful for such a name, I think you should call it the 'Pat Robertson Special', and that we ALL should do EVERYTHING we can thru our collective Social media to make the ring go viral. ;)

jackie said...

Hooray for you!! Although there is no getting through to people who think like that, those of the "don't bother me with the facts, I've already made up my mind" school. Some people just need to hate.

Jean Katherine Baldridge said...

You are totally cool.

jean

sue said...

I love this!!!!! Can you make one for my son which would include something where he could spread the autism/mental retardation to people? I would not only have him wear it, but our whole family who apparently is also infected (per definition of everyone else who is "normal")! I think your idea could possibly turn into something big! I would also wear your ring (maybe on the other hand) - we wouldn't want to spread the "gayness" and "autism" together .... LOL Thanks for making my day!

Toltec Jewels for Jewel School Friends said...

Brilliant. Gorgeous. I cherish every bead I have from you & the jewelry you've made. I love you! Gracias amigo!