Narratives

So, I love stories. Who doesn't, right? I'm beginning to think that I'm going to have to figure out what story I want to tell before I can begin to just assign it symbols. I mean, I know there's some symbols I like, and some that already have stories, but I want to manipulate them more to work for me, not just retell, y'know, what's already been told.
To a certain extent I think it is about communicating these old ideas that I'm obsessed with, arcane knowledges and mystical connections and archetypal strengths and mythological proportions. So it is about telling old stories. But its also about telling my story, and telling the wearers story, and how all three of those things will connect. And of course, making it pretty.
Grasping for imagery here. How does it relate? How do these things tie together?

Doing some research

Beardsley

Durer

Tiepolo

Looking up some narrative and allegorical work. I've always been intrigued by this type of work, as well as the symbolists. It's something I've been dwelling on recently, so I'm gonna look into it a bit more. I'm torn right now between painting styles and etched styles. I think this linework would look rockin on a pendant. I know, sketching would help, right? Heh.

quick sketch

Meant to do more of these today. Turns out snow days are like days off after all! Had a relaxing bout of looking at books and pondering what techniques to use, and trying to figure out how I'll be able to do some camaieu enameling.

reference/inspiration

I've collected some images today of what I'm thinking of for this series of duality pieces. For some reason, this idea's got a hold on me. My plan is to put up a cork board in my studio, so I can actually look at these pieces while I'm working. Here's a few of them, plus my sketches for the day.

So then...

... i had this idea about duality. You can see my notes on the sketch. These are far more viable projects right now, i could easily make two enameled pieces, i'm picturing a tan/white background with sepia or gray drawings on top. then set them, attach some chains. the latch would be in the front. i think this might be a good starting series before i jump into more sculptural work.
one day soon i'll get in the studio. when colds have come to an end and free time is more readily available. going to see tonight: Wolfman!

snaaaaaaaaaake its a

Some more snake sketches. Working out some design thoughts. Really just trying to work this idea out. Watching: Torchwood. Wishing I was watching: Caprica. Put it on Netflix!

Back to the drawing board

I'm gonna skip the excuses and go right to the good stuff. It's a new year! And I've got some new ideas and some time to work them out. I'm brainstorming a new line of jewelry, based on the talismanic clothing of ancient goddesses. I need to do some more research*, but I'm working out some sketches to see what I come up with. Here's some Athena ideas. She wears a cloak of snakes that protects her from harm, gifted to her from her father, if I remember correctly.

*if anyone reading knows a good book or two associated with talismans or the clothing of ancient goddesses, I'd love recommendations!