# 1

Insatiable Appetites
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A Costly Obsession

In this collection of wearable art, I aim to shed light on the profound impacts of our insatiable appetite for money, fame, and beauty, and the destruction it often leaves in its wake. These pieces are more than adornments; they are a reflection of the physical, mental, and spiritual toll that our relentless pursuit of these desires can exact.
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As we adorn ourselves with these creations, let us contemplate the question: At what cost are we willing to feed our unending hunger for material wealth, public recognition, and physical beauty? The art invites us to consider the toll on our bodies, our minds, and our spirits, encouraging us to confront the consequences of our choices.
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Time is running out, and the effects of our desires are becoming increasingly apparent. This collection serves as a reminder to look beyond the surface and delve into the profound impacts of our pursuits. Through wearable art, we explore the intricate web of choices and consequences, urging us to reevaluate our priorities and seek a more balanced, fulfilling path.
In the Name of Fashion and Progress 

The Beauty and The Beast

Inspiration:

In this wearable art necklace, I embark on a profound journey of juxtaposition, weaving together remnants of human leftovers with a message that delves into the play between beauty and the beast. What was once highly prized and fervently sought after has now faded into obscurity. We, as insatiable consumers, voraciously devour and relentlessly pursue the next item to satiate our appetites and ignite our senses
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  • Gallery: Abstraction Show, public display, Nov 1-28, 2023
  • Location: Kish Bank (corporate office) 114 S Allen St, State College, PA 16801
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A unique and mesmerizing feature of this piece is its slow, deliberate spinning, mimicking the world's eternal turning and the relentless passage of time.

The heart of this piece lies in the tension created by the interplay of man-made and organic materials. It is a visual representation of the clash between the artificial and the natural, reflecting the disharmony that often accompanies our relentless quest for progress and fashion.

As we drape ourselves in these creations, it is imperative that we confront a pivotal question: What price are we willing to pay to satisfy our ceaseless hunger for material wealth, public recognition, and physical allure?

This art encourages us to delve deep into our thoughts, contemplating the toll exacted on our bodies, minds, and spirits. It urges us to reflect on the consequences of our choices and to pause and ponder the beauty and the beast that exist within us all.
materials
  • Organics - Animal furs, skull, bones, and feathers
  • Man-made - Electronics, wire, plastic bottles, lightbulb, hardware, aluminum cans, Tyvek, fruit net bag, plastics, fashion accessories; a belt and jewelry.
Illuminating the Pursuit of Wealth, Fame and Faith

Tyranny​ Necklace

Inspiration:

In a world where the allure of wealth and fame often ensnares our hearts, I embarked on an artistic journey that would bring together profound symbolism from contemporary life and timeless scriptures. The focal point of this journey was the learning to co-create, hearing and responding.

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I named "Tyranny." In its very components, it wove a story that intertwined a cross, gold, coins, diamonds, and seven lamps signifying the seven churches mentioned in the Bible.

​As I diligently crafted this intricate piece, it felt as though divine guidance led my hands. Then, a revelation, profound and unmistakable, entered my consciousness. I heard the voice of the Lord, and He spoke: "These are the seven lamps that represent the seven churches." With a diamond in my hand, I paused, and the voice continued, "There are only six now, for their lamp no longer shines." This, I realized, was my first encounter with a "woe."

Grief welled up in my heart, and tears streamed down my face. I wept not just for the loss of the church but for our collective failure to truly comprehend His word, for the way we had taken it lightly and for not genuinely knowing Jesus. We had, in so many ways, turned away from His truth.

This symbolic necklace became a tangible testament to the perils of our unrelenting pursuit of wealth and fame, even as we strayed from our spiritual path. The cross embodied our faith, the allure of worldly treasures was embodied by the gold and coins, while the diamonds symbolized the seductive temptations of the world.

This artistic creation stood as a potent commentary on the Biblical warnings against the treacherous nature of wealth and the distractions of fame. It urged us to pause and reflect on our priorities, to remember that spiritual nourishment and a profound understanding of God's word should forever be our guiding light.
And so, I chose not to complete the necklace with that final diamond, leaving a poignant gap as a reminder of the lost lamp and the profound message it conveyed.

This artwork was never meant to be sold; it was created to ignite questions, contemplation, and a reconsideration of our choices in the relentless pursuit of wealth and fame. It served as a call to rekindle our faith, and in the wisdom of the Bible, find the true light within us: "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:5).

From this humble piece, my passion to be a vessel to share story through art has grown tremendously.
materials
Upcycled jewelry.

# 2

Paying Homage
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A Tapestry Of Human Experiences

In this collection of wearable art jewelry, I endeavor to pay tribute to the diverse people groups around the world, acknowledging their silent sufferings and celebrating their immeasurable value. Each piece in this collection is a labor of love and respect for the rich tapestry of human experiences that these cultures represent. These creations celebrate the resilience, strength, and beauty that arise from the collective wisdom of people whose stories deserve recognition.
In Honor of Women Battling Cancer

​​Strong Women Necklace

Inspiration:

"When I worked as a wig specialist, I had the privilege of supporting numerous beautiful women who were grappling with health issues, both physical and mental, leading to hair loss. It required immense strength and courage for these women to pursue treatment and aspire to lead a normal life. It was a source of profound joy for me to empower these women in regaining their self-esteem by helping them find the perfect wig/hairstyle, offering beauty tips, and providing encouraging words.
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My heart ached for these resilient ladies, and I yearned to create something truly special that a woman could wear, a symbol that would give voice to their struggles. To my dear sisters, this is dedicated to you. It symbolizes honor because you are my heroes.

Every element and color in the design of this necklace has been thoughtfully chosen with you in mind. It reflects the lion-hearted courage, the ebb, and flow of emotions, the swirls of inspiration, and the crest you wear that connects you to family, friends, the world, and even the divine, all of which bring balance to your lives. You stand as strong as a rock while your hearts remain open and ready to give, waiting to be filled. You find joy in embracing the old and welcoming the new. Your crest is a shield of honor because you are my heroes and have forever left your mark on me.
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This necklace is crafted from upcycled vintage jewelry, representing the diverse and beautiful souls who entered my life through my wig shop, 'The Hair Lady, Janise Crow.'"
materials
Upcycled jewelry.
Feathers of Wisdom

A Journey Through Native American Symbolism

Inspiration:

As an artist, I embarked on a deeply personal and spiritual journey when I set out to create this Native-inspired statement necklace. The process was a labor of love, a tribute to the profound symbolism and artistry of Native American culture that has always fascinated and moved me.
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The centerpiece of this necklace is the rich, earthy brown feathers. In Native American culture, feathers are considered sacred and hold a connection to the spirit world. Each feather used in this necklace represents protection and blessings, acknowledging the connection between the material and spiritual realms. These brown feathers, carefully sourced and selected, are a symbol of the earthly grounding that we all need in our lives.

Turquoise, with its vibrant blue-green hues, has always held a special place in Native American traditions. It symbolizes communication, spiritual growth, and healing. The turquoise in this necklace signifies the journey of self-discovery and the importance of finding harmony within oneself and the natural world.

The long strands of black beads, meticulously strung together, represent the path of life. In Native American cultures, black is often associated with the unknown, the journey through darkness that leads to wisdom and enlightenment. Each bead is a step along this path, a reminder that our journey is meaningful and purposeful.

The size of the adornment in Native American culture often has significance. In this necklace, the size reflects the importance of the wearer's journey and connection to the world. Larger adornments, like this statement necklace, symbolize a strong presence and a deep connection to the spiritual and natural world.

Creating this necklace was not just a matter of craftsmanship; it was a spiritual endeavor. With every feather, every bead, and every piece of turquoise, I felt a profound connection to the traditions and wisdom of Native American cultures. It is my hope that this piece resonates with those who wear it, carrying with it the depth of meaning and spirituality that has been honored and celebrated for generations in Native American heritage..

This piece is located in a private collection: Pennsylvania, USA
materials
Recycled Materials: Feathers, faux leather, brass, beads; coral, glass, turquoise, wood.
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