Good morning, good evening
or maybe good night, my much valued visitor!
I would like to give you a little insight into my work and a technique for jewellery making, known as wire weaving or wire wrapping. The first testimonies of this craftsmanship could allegedly already be found in ancient Egypt and also the Vikings seem to haven’t been unaware of weaving, nay, knitting with wire. Unfortunately, however, I have so far come across only a few verifiable Information in my research on this subject. Further research will probably be neccessary.
In the early 1900’s these techniques were rediscovered – probably by members of the “Arts & Crafts Movement” – in Britain. From there they found their way to the American continent and continue to inspire people around the world, so today a small, but very cooperative community of wire wrapping jewellers has developed.
How it came to be
Some time ago I wanted to repair a defective piece of jewellery and in my search for suitable methods I came across this fascinating craft , which I hadn’t heard of until then. I was immediately thrilled by the beautiful designs and the due diligence and patience required to implement them – I wanted to be able to do that, too! The many different patterns and manifold combinations opened up a broad area of tension between tradition and innovation to implement my ideas. The exciting opportunity to use the knowledge of ancient techniques, of which some had already been forgotten, for novel designs inspired my imagination. Since I had already been interested in minerals and jewellery afore, I was finally able to produce exactly what I would like to wear myself and what I had often searched for in vain. Since then I have been constantly working on the further development of my technical knowledge, my craftsmanship and new designs.
The Thoughts behind: Beauty doesn't have to be superficial & transient
At a time of serially crafted mass production, when an oversupply of cheap plastic-kitsch is flooding the market, many people feel a need for uniqueness and value to be able to contrast a heedless consumers’ culture of brief pleasure, that only seems to be designed to produce mountains of rubbish, with something sustainable. Personally designed craftsmanship is appreciated again, because here high value is set on quality, personal contact and customer support.
Working on my jewellery offers me a way to focus on something that gives me (and hopefully others) pleasure. Unique shapes and structures are created with materials for whom it took immense natural forces and a great deal of time to arise. So the work and wearing of my jewellery can certainly inspire a little meditation and philosophical excursions about life, the universe and all the rest (to strive for Douglas Adams).
About Value & Price
As well known, a piece of jewellery has a much higher value for its owner than the mere market price or the cost of the material it is made of. Even if the importance of jewellery as a status symbol and expression of social affiliation is undisputed, jewellery can be even more. Jewellery can express emtional connectedness, be a memento to dear people or important experiences, some amulets are even said to have magical properties – the list is long.
Therefore, the value of a piece of jewellery is also measured by the creative process. Those who acquire art & craftsmanship will thereby take part in the creative process. Not only do they buy a chain or a ring, they get a result of years of learning, the successes and also the failure of the artist. In other words, the likeness of a part of his or her life. This is not really to be outweighed with money, but amazingly it has nevertheless established itself as a common practice. To paraphrase Oscar Wilde: “Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.” Well, I often feel the other way around, which is why in some cases I actually find it difficult to set a price for a piece.
Working with the flow
The emergence of a new piece of jewellery is always a small journey. From the design and careful selection of materials to the finished piece it takes a lot of patience, perseverance and a lot of sensitivity and tact. Each stone and pattern is selected with a lot of love and coordinated with the utmost mindfulness to produce a unique gem. Often the creativity goes its own way and the result surprises even myself. But it is always a great pleasure to be able to hold a finished little work of art in the hands (claimed by the wire) after a day’s work.
I would like to share this joy and some of the results of this process with interested people and hope to be able to inspire one or the other. Who knows, maybe the next leg of the journey will soon go to you.
Enjoy browsing and stay amazed …always…
Yours,
Melike of TightropeArt