SOCIAL MEDIA

3/19/11

Art Bead Scene March Challenge

The inspiration picture and palette for this month's Art Bead Scene challenge is a riot of saturated color:

gaugincolors
Nave Nave Moe (Sacred Spring, Sweet Dreams) by Paul Gaugin 1894, Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg

About the Art:
Gauguin painted this after he moved to Tahiti in 1891, seeking inspiration from the native "primitive" culture, which he regarded as more real and more sincere. It is characterized by clear outlines, flat forms, and vibrant colors, which reflect the influence of native art on the artist.
 
What really stood out for me in this picture is how the vibrant colors look so simple and primary at first glance, but are truly layers and layers of colors blended and shaded to create the beautiful depth evident in the painting.
 
I used the idea of layering colors when I created the focal in my necklace, called "Simple Blessings":
 
P3190010
 
The butterfly is made from etched and formed copper on which I layered about six different colors to create a beautiful, natural patina.  I kept the script from the Irish Blessing light to keep the contrast with the dark greens, blues and browns.
 
P3190002
The chain is made from links of copper wire with a drawn head on one end and a loop on the other to connect them together.  I wanted to keep the design simple yet still highlight the vibrant colors from the picture, so I used one beautiful ruby lampwork bead from Mary Cobble at Firebabies with two Czech pressed glass green beads on either side of it.
 
Take a few minutes to check out the other beautiful entries at Art Bead Scene's Flickr group.
 
If you are interested in purchasing this piece, it is currently for sale in my etsy shop.
jamberry_song said...

Ah, love Gaugin. :) He and Cezanne, they had such a beautiful sense of color and setting.

I love the necklace. I think butterfly is fitting for those colors. Love the chain especially. It looks so delicate!

Riki Schumacher said...

Molly that is just gorgeous! Love the rich colors, and the beautiful hand made chain. Stunning. Great job. Riki

Gold Charm said...

Simple is beautiful.The copper chain supports all the vibrant colors of the butterfly.Love the butterfly and bird inspirations in jewelry.

Holly said...

Molly, as usual, this is a stunning necklace! Sometimes simple is all you need :)

EB Bead and Metal Works, LLC said...

WOW - the necklace is gorgeous! The focal is beautiful and I love the simplicity of the rest of the necklace! Stunning!

Lesley said...

I love the lightness of touch in your piece - a beautiful summer necklace...I can feel my toes in the sand...:0)