I have been chasing an idea of bringing layered translucency into my narrative jewelry for years with the intention of capturing the feeling of dissipating memories, absentia, and loss. But I have struggled to find the right techniques and materials for realizing this concept.
Recently, I landed on an interesting direction that I am eager to continue exploring which incorporates the ephemeral look of layering, depth, and light that I have been searching for.
At first, my exploration revolved around found photography; these early experiments incorporated snapshots of strangers. I removed unknown loved ones with gouache, excised bits of unfamiliar spaces and trinkets, lifted fathers aways with a scalpel, and veiled their faces in layers of golden mica.
I removed these unknown loved ones with gouache, excised bits of unfamiliar spaces, lifted away fathers with a scalpel
I'm combined these elements with layers of scratched mica figures that appear – and disappear – depending on the angle of light. Like most of my work, the concept behind this particular piece is based on an original poem.
As the body of work has evolved, I have moved to shooting my own polaroids and using the technique of "polaroid lifting" to extract the photo emulsion from its backing and fuse it to transparent mica. The imagery captures banal scenes of my everyday life – an unmade bed, a dimly lit window, a basket of laundry. The images reflect moments and moods from a series of my original poems, which I am incorporating in hand engraved brass.
The work promises to express the sense of absence and fragmented memory that I am aiming for
Combined with layers of scratched translucent figures that emerge like apparitions – the work promises to express the sense of absence and fragmented memory that I am aiming for. I envision these experiments will eventually become brooches, large neckpieces, and maybe even oversized statement rings.
My own polaroid photos, lifted from the backing and fused to translucent mica.
This body work incorporates one of my original poems.
I have been developing the skill of hand engraving for about a year as a means of incorporating my poetry into my metalwork in a more refined way rather than etching, which is the technique I used in the past. After much frustration, confusion, and practice, my engraved script is beginning to take form; this is an exciting advancement toward the look I have always imagined for my work.
As I continue to refine this thoughtful new collection, I am called to recon with the dissolution of my own memories, the duplicitous significance and minutiae of life.
As I continue to refine this thoughtful new collection, I am called to recon with the dissolution of my own memories, the duplicitous significance and minutiae of life.
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Your work was introduced to me by another jeweler named Cynthia Renee.
I am so happy that she did that. Your work is exceptional.
You inspire me!
Teressa, I am loving my eye ring and wear it daily. It helps me stay focused on what is truly important in my life. I love all of your work and am eager to learn from you. If you decide to teach, we would love to have you teach at The Metal Arts Guild of Georgia!
Teresa, Love seeing your journey and your new work. It is beautiful. You inspire me to continue exploring! April
Your continued probing and exploring of new techniques to give voice to your work is an inspiration. Bravo on the engraving!
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