I Gave You My Heart....

Anatomical hearts have been showing up in my work for quite sometime now. In undergrad, part of my thesis was an artist book made out of red velvet and satin that was in the shape of a heart (anatomically correct of course). The viewer "un-sewed" it to reveal rolled up images on fabric, small books with text, and little trinkets. Even further back in my repertoire is a series of photos where the only light source was a slide of a heart projected on to a model. I just searched to no avail, for digital images of these works, only to find traditional slides- yep they are pretty old. When I began working with metal, the heart re-surfaced. Below is my "Heart Shaped Locket." While not totally anatomically correct, you get the idea. And I like the thought of wearing an actual "heart shaped locket" around ones neck. Yes, the piece has some construction problems- but hey, it was my first attempt at a hollow form, and bending that solid piece of sterling wire for the artery gave me a lot of trouble.


"Home is Where The Heart Is," is the result of a cold connection and patina assignment, and still is one of my most favorite pieces. While not jewelry, I prefer to think of it as a wall piece and it lives in a shadow box.

"I Gave You My Heart," is my latest flirtation with the anatomical heart. Instead of being so ambitious as with "Heart Shaped Locket," this lovely is strictly a pendant. Created from copper and nickle silver, with sterling rivets to hold it together. I made it a couple of weeks ago, but never posted about it. I am thinking of making several more for Valentine's Day- appropriate no?