2016 JEWELRY PORTFOLIO BRIANNA SCHMIDT
METANOIA
T
he most critical aspect of my transformational journey was becoming open minded. Opening up your mind to new ideas, thoughts, and experiences that will allow you change and adapt to what’s serving you in life. Cracks within your intolerance to change deepen to give you new perspective on the world around you. As this new way of life starts to completely envelop the mind and heart, you can let go of past walls and boundaries of exploration and put them behind you. This becomes a time of healing and self-love in which you realize the guilt of past ideologies and insecurities are no longer consciously constructive. You can now stitch together this new information for a fulfilling and healthy lifestyle. Now with the journey lengthened and heart matured, the focus on extending attention outwards for new ideas and information starts to turn inward. A stage of self discovery and inner peace can set in, a time to meditate and apply what’s been learned. {Metanoia ring series, lost wax method. Evedur bronze, Fall 2015}
SCALER SPHERES
T
his brooch series is based upon a unified theory of the universe that defies the fundamental principles of physics to bring new perspective on the universe. This theory allows us to take a second look at how we’ve perceived ourselves as a part of nature and challenge how we’ve been taught to view one another as separate individuals. From a young age we’ve built our basis of understanding of the universe upon a “fundamental” geometry known as the cube that’s made up this dimension that we live and breathe in. In reality, we find nature creating spheres on all scales, infinitely small and infinitely large. These spheres are closely held within one another inside the fabric of space, a perfectly balanced geometric structure. This brooch was constructed by transforming copper sheet into a rounded half-open circle with several spears leading the eye inward and outward of the circle. Felted spheres signify the fabric of space growing outward and decreasing inward in scale to a point of singularity. {Scalar Spheres, Brooch 1/4, formed copper, copper wire, white felt, Fall 2015}
FIBONACCI
A
s the universe continues to create spheres on all scales, the pattern in which they are comprised and the fabric of space which connects them, has a very beautiful and visual way in that it chooses to display itself. Nature boldly announces itself in its patterns and perfect proportions. This brooch is comprised of a copper fold formed spiral held on to the body by a simple line and sphere, a slice of the fabric of space. Crocheted wire protrudes from this form with felted spheres grasping on to signify the how nature uses the fabric to visually create mass and reveal itself to us. {Fibonacci, Brooch 2/4, fold formed copper, crocheted wire, white felt, Fall 2015}
SPIN
E
verything in the universe has spin. From the quarks within the protons that make up every atom in your body, to the galaxies at large, you’ll find spin.
Laser cut triangles are staggered in layers to bring dimension and purpose to a point of singularity. Wire construction and felted spheres accent move your eye around this piece and to the center. {Spin, Brooch 3/4, laser cut wood, copper wire, felted spheres, Fall 2015}
SINGULARITY
E
veryone has singularity within them, a point to spin to.
Individual lasers cut pieces were assembled with rivets to a solid sheet base. Tubing rivets allow the piece to rotate as the lever is pulled and a shutter-like system brings the center pieces to a single point and back open again. {Singularity, Brooch 4/4, laser cut wood, copper sheet, sterling silver tubing, Fall 2015}
DIVINITY
T
he perfect proportions of the body are a great example of the golden ratio or 1:1.618 (Phi). Phi is based on patterns of five and can be found everywhere in nature. Five components each proportioned according to this ratio, both along the chest as well as off the body, are made to represent this. 23k gold foil signifies this perfect proportion as well as the large and beautiful golden Labradorite cabochon. {Divinity; Copper sheet, steel wire, silver tubing, 23k gold foil, golden Labradorite, Fall 2015}
MAJESTY
I
nspired by the fine drapery and linens owned by the wealthiest individuals in the world, Majesty serves as a symbol of luxury and prestigious status. Hollow construction form with wire weft and woven accent. Pleated silk falls organically out from behind, and custom faceted Rainbow Fluorite cabochons decorate the face of the earring. {Majesty, sterling silver, silk, custom Rainbow Fluorite., Winter 2016}
LAPIDARY Free form cut and polished assorted cabochons. {Agate, Jasper, Opal Dendrite, Rhodochrosite. Summer, 2015}
HAND RENDERING Ideation sketches; gouache and watercolor painting.
RESIN CAST RINGS
I
ndividually cast and formed resin rings. Molds around sterling silver ring bands were poured in layers of pigmented resin while still liquid, allowing them to mix and produce a marbling effect. When set, the hardened resin was free form shaped on the lapidary wheel to a smooth matte finish.
BRIANNA SCHMIDT briannaschmidt3@yahoo.com 989.4 88.9466 Instagram: moon.metals behance.net/briannaschmidt