Necklace for Mother forms part of a series of four necklaces that explore the notion of family under the pressures of long-term illness.

​

 

The necklace is a large scale sculptural piece of jewellery that is heavy and dark by virtue of its unique construction from lead. 

​

Shrouding the entire length of the body, each segment represents the form of a spirochaete bacteria. A concealed aluminium and copper frame within counteracts the tendency of lead to collapse; due to it's distinctive characteristics of weight and malleability.

​

Drawing from the alchemist notion that lead could be transformed to gold, the lead bacteria are linked by richly gilded aluminium jump rings. Gold has become a semiotic in my work for hope and redemption. Lead speaks of toxins and containment.

 

Necklace For Mother's weighty physical presence is a homage to the burden of chronic illness in our family history, whilst being an amulet to character and resilience, born of adversity.

 

​

 

Lead, Aluminium, copper, gold leaf.
Dimensions: 95h x 650w x 1180d mm

2006