Strangely enough, my first love as an artist was abstract art! As a youngster, I squiggled designs, loving the way I could balance form and color. Counter-intuitively, that early love translated into creating animal jewelry!
Are you familiar with Joan Miro? I love the playfulness, the color and the whimsy of his work. Kind of alive and exciting. But completely abstract. The “alive” part is probably the connecting factor between abstract art and my animal jewelry.
In the early 1980s and even today color was and is an important aspect of some of my work. How color is used can make things come alive. But if you add expression, personality and motion… you really have something lively.
A piece of art might seem basically motionless, but there can still be movement and action. Take a little dachshund dog pin about to jump up for a snack. A raven pendant in flight. A pair of chicken earrings dancing. I have plenty of examples!
My customers still tell me that my jewelry seems alive. That is without a doubt the best complement for me. Because art is really a communication from the artist to the viewer. If I can create jewelry that has a life of its own, then I feel like I’ve done my job.
I am so lucky. My art goes beyond being viewed. It is worn. And then seen by others. Which makes my customers a participant, not just a “viewer.” You can wear a piece of animal jewelry that says something about yourself. It is your statement, not just my creation.
I have a sterling silver Hopi Indian brooch of a roadrunner. When I wear it, even though I did not create it, I feel like I am participating in a culture I have a great respect for. Besides that, I love roadrunners. They live in my new home state of New Mexico and from time to time they dash across the road right in front of our car. Wearing this little pin definitely makes me a participant in the artist’s creation.
Does your Magic Zoo jewelry have a special meaning for you? I would love to hear your comments here on my blog!
Connie shales says
Merry, I love and cherish each piece I have received from you! I LOVE my ferrets and parakeets and the jewelry you create allows me to express myself and they also keep my pets close to my heart when I am away! I love what you have created for me and I think if you often!!! I will be buying some more from you!
Merry says
Connie, you are such a wonderful customer! Thank you so much for your support and your very kind words!