WE ARE SNAG: Anthology 2023 is online now and includes this piece I created in 2023! The 3rd edition of the SNAG members online exhibition is not to be missed.
Spring Radiolaria Brooch-Necklace
6.6 x 3.26 x 0.8 cm
Spring Radiolaria brooch/necklace began as an enlarged hand drawing of a microscopic creature. Mentally deconstructing the zooplankton during the hand drawing phase, I morphed the creatures into flat layers which would rebuild as a 3D form. I used CAD software to ingest the layer drawings and further modify the designs of each layer. Individual vector files were sent to a laser cutter. I’d used all but one laser cut layer in the needed size, but I had replenished the 30 gauge titanium sheet in my workshop and had yet to send it to the laser cutter. I created vinyl templates using the vector drawings and the cutting machine I use for prototyping. I applied the vinyl to the titanium, then punched and sawed the final two layers for this brooch. Each rough-cut titanium layer was hand shaped, textured, and finished.
11.4 carats of tension set peach and green tourmalines were used in the rebuild of the zooplankton.
The patinated sterling silver necklace is jointed with stainless steel fasteners. The brooch pin stem slides through integrated loops in the necklace. The pin stem refastens on the back of the brooch once hung on the necklace.
At the back of the bench pin is the laser cut layer. The two layers on the wooden bench pin were in the process of being sawn and punched.
