You know how life takes you in different directions .:. down different path .:. sometimes meandering, sometimes u-turns, sometimes just a slight divergence from the trail you're on? For me, making jewelery was a path I was on, and then life took me in different directions, I sold my business and "moved on".
I still have a huge amount of beads and chain and wire and silk threads, all of which I use on the shadow boxes I make (I like to call it shadow jewelery) but I very rarely make an actual piece of jewelery, you know one that someone might wear, except for a few special occasions (and always for my mum cuz she asks, and she's my mum).
Today I made a quick piece for someone who works with me occasionally, and who I wanted to give a small token of thanks to. What says a small thanks better than some silver and pearls [I ask myself]. Now that I don't have to create jewelery for piles of orders, I find I enjoy it again. The colours, the shine, the depth of a fresh water pearl, the feel of the chain, the solid feel of the tools in my hands. All things that are a pleasure again, now that it is no longer a business.
Making jewelery was one of the first (and so far only) times in my life that making a creative endeavor into a business venture, killed the joy and the spirit of what had been blossoming for me. Making money from our creativity: it can be a risky thing. It can also be the best thing you've ever done.
But for today: I loved the sun slanting into my studio this afternoon, while I wired pearls and watched the silver chain wink and gleam. For today: Taking back the act of making a piece of jewelery, for the sheer pleasure and joy. What a lovely, lovely thing.
How wonderful to return to something you needed to walk away from for a while and find joy in it again. Lovely!!
Posted by: Swirly | April 15, 2008 at 06:46 AM
I loooove your karma necklace!!! Such a beautiful piece you made! I'd love to wear such a powerful piece....sigh.
Interesting what you wrote, for me it was when I made my Soul Bird necklace, it turned from joy to a burden somehow because of the money and pressure and business things etc. making money from our creativity is a risky thing indeed, I learned my lesson well.
Enjoy wearing your karma necklace, good things will come to you I am sure!
Posted by: Tine | April 16, 2008 at 11:32 AM
i love this image of you "taking back" in this way. really beautiful.
and this necklace is gorgeous. seriously gorgeous.
Posted by: liz elayne | April 20, 2008 at 09:56 PM
Hi all.
i love this necklace.
it has lovely design.
love to wear it.
Posted by: pandora necklaces | December 15, 2009 at 02:29 AM