STRAIGHTFORWARD

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STRAIGHTFORWARD
Degree Project, 2012

     I gather my materials from the Rhode Island Recycling Center and a surplus hardware store in upstate New York. My vision for each piece, from construction to finish, hits me in the form of an immediate and completely intuitive attraction to whatever scrap I come across that inspires me amongst the junk. Because they are products of obscure production runs, the materials I gather such as Masonite, steel and rubber, are unique forms.
     The rarity of the material challenges me to be both conservative and decisive with my process. My one main rule is that construction can in no way deface or alter the structural integrity of the original form beyond repair. I mainly construct my forms with connective hardware such as hinges or grommets and drastically transform the material through assembly and paint. The original material then becomes ambiguous. I choose color intuitively and hand-mix acrylics and spraypaint palettes that enhance the shape and form of the material. Though the colors are bold, they can never overpower and confront.
     I intend for the wearer to share the same spontaneous connection with the jewelry as I had with the material. Neither the wearer nor the jewelry try to outshine each other, nor do they try to steal the attention away from their surroundings. The wearer is self aware and confident, humble yet confrontational and uses my jewelry as incorporation into their personal style and voice.