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To The Metal Beth O’Sullivan “There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.” ― Martha Graham Jewellery has long been an art form highly synonymous with an individual’s expression of culture, status and, more recently, femininity. Although these adornments can vary in superficial elements such as value, materials, size, splendour and method of creation, the true value of jewellery – ranging from earrings and necklaces, to rings and bracelets/bands – is it’s ability to represent themes of greater significance. A simple ring can represent one of the greatest commitments of our lives; a string of pearls becomes a symbol of class and tradition; an extravagant crystal brooch somewhat of a token for the celebration of wealth and affluence; a simple pair of earrings demonstrate the survival of generations, and; a bracelet, the survival of an entire culture through the endurance of its most beautiful artefacts. In the 21st century one could regard jewellery as modern day armor – a source of empowerment for men and woman alike, which has the ability to confirm and enhance one’s confidence, poise and beauty. Where the metal plates of a shield once made a warrior prepared to face the battlefield, jewellery can provide us with the final detail needed to face our society, jobs and daily lives. The creation of such an art form fosters female empowerment through the expression of our unique creativity and ability to interact with our thoughts and conceptions of the world to bring about a tangible beauty and artistry. Beth O’Sullivan captures the refinement, style and finesse of this art form in her neat yet rustically elegant earrings. In their passing resemblance to entities that only nature could truly create, she manages to demonstrate how jewellery can be simultaneously luxurious and austere in how it compliments human beauty.
