The Meteora chain was one of the 1st works that I made for e.g.etal. It has become an iconic work for me and embodies much of my methodology of making. To mark my 10th anniversary year at e.g.etal I have made a special celebration Meteora chain with a wider clasp and links as well as an 18ct yellow gold coin link. This Meteora is a collectors item and is avilble at e.g.etal.
To read more about what inspired the 1st Meteora chain scroll down past the image.
image by e.g.etal
Artist Statement
Making
chain is a very meditative practice. The engaging process is methodical with
quiet surroundings conducive to this repetitive but satisfying task. The
‘Meteora’ chain came about as I continued to investigate how the fusing of
sterling silver could be used to make jewellery pieces. I was captivated by the
way this chain chimed when it was worn as well as the surface texture created
on the links by the fusing process especially on the over lapping joins where
the flame is concentrated. Fusing a
Meteora chain is a very pleasing experience and perfectly materialises my
methodology of working. With this technique purity and integrity of material
are retained. Utilising the natural properties of sterling silver a bond is
made without the use of any solder and therefore without impurities. A Meteora
chain is entirely made from sterling silver. If it were to be melted down it
would not be necessary to refine the resulting ingot for it to be remade into
something new. This aspect of a Meteora chain gives me great satisfaction and
connects into the very ancient practice of jewellery made from pure materials
or high carat gold as wealth, adorning its owner everyday.
The
name Meteora means ‘suspended in the air’ and the meditative process of making
the fused chain inspired its naming. Situated in the plain of Thessaly in Greece Meteora’s lofty
precipitous rocks has been a place for Orthodox monasticism and retreat from
the world since the 11th century. Visiting a monastery perched on
the summit of one of the sand stone pillars as a child made an impact me. The
thick monastery walls, the feeling of retreat from the world, and the sense
that this place was perfect for contemplation and meditation were
palpable. So with this memory of my
experience of Meteora combined with the feeling that the methodical process of
making chain gives me the Meteora Neckpiece becomes a perfect example of my
methodology of making.
Over the 10 years that I have been making
Meteora chains I have often added small charms or stone drops to them, and even making them into more complex neckpieces. My Meteora chain has always been
a piece that can be added to depending on where my interests take me and so
evolve in small ways to make each one unique. The special Meteora chain that I
have made to commemorate my 10 years at e.getal is made from wider links as
well as a wider clasp. With the special addition of an 18ct yellow gold flat
coin link this Meteora is a special collectors piece to treasure.
