Text from Fictive Art-i-Facts Installation:
The Sentients are a very special class of object created in Thurmania. When not observed, they come to life. Imbued with their own will, they explore and interact with their environment. Like a genie and its lamp, they are closely tied to their vessel; they can never stray far from it since they need to instantly return to their frozen pose in the event of observation. Often manifesting their core emotions onto their vessel, they can’t help but express themselves showing each of their true natures. The Thurmanite is the source of their lifeforce, drawing their power from the perfectly lathe-turned symmetrical saucers or lids. In a special ritual, the painting of them brings them to life; the colors and painting approach in conjunction with their original form determining their nature and character.
BOX OF PANDORA
According to Greek legend, Pandora was the first woman. I created this piece to revisit Pandora’s story in order to encourage alternative perspectives. Often, she is demonized for releasing all of the evils upon the Earth but it is often overlooked that Hope remained in her Box. In my artwork, I have created a charm bracelet that is hidden inside of Pandora’s Box, decorated with the Ottoman çintamani motif, symbolizing strength and power—essential attributes to hold onto Hope. All auspicious beginnings should begin with hope. The initial impetus for this piece was to create a piece that was an example of new assignment I created for my Beginning Metalsmithing students. I also wanted to see what kind of piece I would create that was limited to the same techniques that my beginning students were limited to: sawing, piercing, hammering, riveting, enameling. The box (without the insert or charm bracelet) follows these constraints. For my beginning students, my piece ended up being both inspiring and intimidating.