preparing for 'Sentience'

Sunday March 2nd, 2008. Here I am putting the final touches on 'Cruella', my 'old-faithful' mannequin who has modeled many many pieces over the years. She had to look at her shining best for the Sentience show, as she was wearing a very special ensemble. Here she is as photographed by Michael Blamey at the opening. And below that one of the pictures he took at the opening. Which was on March 4th, 2008 at fortyfivedownstairs.

23rd October 2007 - the 'Devi' jewels

Opening blog day!
Its overcast and slightly windy in South Melbourne, as I continue with the making of the latest edition of this range which I think I'll end up calling the 'devi' range.

From the wikipedia:
Devi is the Sanskrit word for Goddess. Devi is synonymous with Shakti, the female aspect of the divine, as conceptualized by the Shakta tradition of Hinduism. She is the female counterpart without whom the male aspect, which represents consciousness or discrimination, remains impotent and void.

I think of this word because of how important it is in my own development.
This range has been evolving for the last year, and is taking many forms. It is detailed and 'bead-ie'. I love the long subtle 'fronds', with the occasional interruption of fresh water pearls, or sparkling crystal, or multi-coloured semi-precious or ceramic seed beads. The energy is like Shakti: a little unpredictable and yet as even as the the Goddess herself, in her calm presence.