The Cholla + Coyote Tooth Spear Necklace
These are the core necklaces from The Desert Collection.
These pieces have evolved from my classic “Sterling Spear Earrings” design, although they have been reborn in fine silver and made with the texture from a dried cholla cactus that I found during my fall explorations in the Southwest. Each with a bail made of a pedipalp (pincher) from a scorpion that a friend found and gifted to me, and a ribbon of 24k gold strengthening their bonds. This necklace has a coyote tooth that I found in New Mexico, set in a 14k gold bezel. It hangs from a sterling sterling bar and link chain, with a lobster clasp and hand soldered jump rings, in your choice of length, 16/18/20". The pendants measure 1 1/2" from the top of the bail to the bottom of the spear. My makers insignia added to the back so you know who handmade your nature talismans of growth, beauty and healed value.
Bones of The Collection Ethos
Through all four collections I will have a base collection. Each “location/element” will have two main textures, for the desert they are cholla cactus and elk skull. Each of those textures will have matching series of rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. All simple in design, but carrying so many well thought out details and messages. The rings and necklaces are in series of three: plain, with stone, and with element. The bracelets and earrings are in series of two: plain, and with stone. All comprised of natural textures that I found in their environmental home, if with stone, they’ll be hand collected, and each piece with a ribbon of gold woven somewhere to symbolize the beauty and strength in our imperfections, and ability to grow past our life’s obstacles. 🖤
Damaged Goods - A Collection Divided
I am beyond pleased to finally begin unveiling my new works, a full collection of one of a kinds, in four parts. Likened to, and symbolizing the four elements: earth, air, fire and water; there will be collection correlating to each: The Forest, The Swamp, The Desert, and The Ocean. Which brings me to the title of this release, “Damaged Goods”. I started attempting to learn a new skill set three summers ago, and drew up the base of this collection then, but when I returned home to New Orleans I found myself deep in the darkest chapter of my life. Lots of intense trauma, and just a need for survival overpowered any ability to creatively focus on new directions. I had spent a long while attempting to keep all of my plates spinning, but many dropped. I’ve spent the last year and half very seriously working to properly mend those broken plates, which I’ve related on more than one occasion to the Japanese pottery technique of Kintsugi, the art of repairing cracks and damage with gold - to add to its beauty, strength, and value. Which is something I genuinely believe in: when someone actively works at healing their wounds, their trauma becomes growth, understanding, and more value. I wanted to use returning to this collection as a form of healing, so I applied these metaphors and techniques into my original drawings, and I adore the shape its taken. They maintain the integrity of being a true talisman of nature, made directly from materials I’ve found myself, be it the textures I use in the metal pieces or in the stones and shells I set, but also, each piece will contain that metaphor of gold bonds woven throughout to bring the wearer’s life more strength, growth, and value. I hope you treasure wearing these pieces as much I have making them.