Here's my second piece that was juried into the finals of Bead Dreams this year. Yes, it's another Cabinet of Curiosity, just like last year's entry, only more so, if you know what I mean. It's kind of a monolith, a big, heavy breastplate of a piece. This is my most elaborate divided box to date. I have to admit, I still enjoy making them. This was also my first attempt to make metal clay chain of any true length.
As you can see, I went a little gothic on this one, adding a nice bluish, purplish patina and little fang-like dangles from the chain. As far as the contents are concerned, I found the little skull (which was carved from antler) in a shop in New York City last year. I thought the brachiopod fossil looked satisfyingly winged-like, so I added that, along with the vintage ceramic teeth and taxidermist glass eye. The other teeth are fossilized shark and spinosaurus.
Here's a shot of the back:
I was rather pleased with the effect of the patina on the back - nice and aged looking. I used my lunar phases pendant as the toggle ring here with an arrow as the bar, for a "shoot the moon" kind of theme.
Again, if you are attending the Bead & Button Show this year, please do take a look! The Bead Dreams Exhibit will be set up (I believe later today) in the foyer in front of the Marketplace.
To see my other Bead Dreams finalist piece, please scroll down to the post before this one or go here.
Thanks for visiting.
10 comments:
Goodness! You aren't kidding that this is a monolith of a piece. That belongs in a museum someplace. And the hidden treasure of the words on the back, I would not have known. So glad you pointed that out! I love your work, Melissa. I stand in awe.
Enjoy the day!
Erin
That may be my favorite piece EVER!
A most awesome piece - I love your Cabinets of Wonders!!!
Thank you, everyone! Yes, Erin - it's pretty darn heavy! I look pretty funny wearing it around the house while I vacuum...
i absolutely love this piece... and i would wear it with a deep v neck white tee shirt and jeans (ok, i wear that almost every day - but this would be perfect)... i love your cabinets... the patina is great... and your chain with teeth is wonderful!
Wonderfully awesome!
Hi Melissa,
I was up at the show and they were setting up the Bead Dreams pieces late today. I saw both of your pieces - stunning!! Truly 'must-sees' in person. Glad you showed us the back of the Cabinet since you can't it on display. Was there anything special on the back of the maze?
A big CONGRATULATIONS!! your way - there was a pretty Second Place ribbon along side The Way To My Heart. Those stones are fascinating and a perfect complement for the theme.
You should be sooooo proud!!
Sandi, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR LETTING ME KNOW! I so appreciate it! Bead Dreams doesn't inform the winners before the show. I hate asking people to check for me, as it's always awkward to let someone know that they _didn't_ win - but it means I'm usually on pins and needles until the last day, when I can get up there and check myself!
ps. The "key to my heart" is on the back of the maze, ie, the solution to the maze. I thought it was appropriate, since the wearer would have the answer hidden next to her heart.
Holy crikey! I'm almost speechless.
Fabulous!
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