CHOSEN: the story behind the new collection.

CHOSEN explores the beauty of feeling loved and supported in our closest relationships at a time of transition and change. It’s about taking a, CHOSEN, leap in life and trusting our intuition and the strong foundation of loved ones to help guide us through the process.

Inspiration for this collection came from Gustav Klimpt’s painting, “The Kiss”. The juxtaposition between the two halves of the painting of the woman’s side being organic, round, delicate and floral. While the man’s side is strong and block-like, covered in rectangular shapes like a foundation. From free-flowing and organic to constructed and rigid. Natural versus abstract and linear. Yet among the opposites there is a sense of love, safety and support.

CONNECTING THE DOTS BETWEEN THE PAGES OF MY SKETCHBOOK, TO THE PAINTING, TO OUR REALITY HAS BEEN A DELICIOUS ADVENTURE INTO THE BEAUTY THAT FEELING SAFE AND LOVED CAN CREATE. — Rebekah J. - Jewelry Designer

I’ve learned that my work is often a translation of my own intuition. An intuition that is buried deep within. I’ve found that I process thoughts and emotions through my art, but I don’t often know exactly what it is that I’m working out until the collection is complete. My process begins with a series of sketches, often with patterns that repeat. Over and over I draw a similar pattern re-working it for the shape of the vessel - an earring or pendant etc. The story and the answers unfold as I work through the collection. Each piece seems to carry with it an emotion, an idea, or a feeling that in-turn help me uncover my own truths. The end result is a physical interpretation of my intuition.

While developing the new collection, what kept recurring was a stepped and staggered rectangle shape with an organic sensibility. At one point I looked down at my page of sketches and was reminded of Gustav Klimpt’s painting “The Kiss”. The Kiss, a painting created in 1908, famous for it’s beautiful gold leaf, depicts an embracing couple kneeling in a field of wildflowers, shrouded in elaborate garments. The patterns, shapes and faces in my own work were reminiscent of the painting.

It’s often said that The Kiss depicts an erotic scene, however I’m struck with a meaning at a more emotional level. To me, the woman appears to be someone who is so completely loved by her partner. With touch being my love language I was met with warmth at the holding of their hands and the way that he holds her and is wholly invested in her.

As I sat staring at the painting, I was struck with emotions and reactions I wasn’t looking for or expecting. I was also struck with the enormous level of juxtaposition between the two halves of the painting. Her body shape is fully evident, curving, and covered in repeating round, delicate and floral shapes. His body, strong and block is like covered in rectangular shapes like a foundation. From free-flowing and organic to constructed and rigid. Natural versus abstract and linear. These sentients curiously mirror the roles my husband and I take personally.

As a family unit we are headed into a huge shift. I’m quitting my steady job to take on my business full time! This new step is asking a lot of myself and my husband. I have craved his support while carving out the proof that this leap is one worth taking. The safety and support he shows her in the painting is what resonated the most with me.

Connecting the dots between the pages of my sketchbook, to the painting, to our reality has been a delicious adventure into the beauty that feeling safe and loved can create.