Eye

12 x 1.5 x 0.5 cm, 24 g

sterling sheet, bezel wire, 18 g sterling wire, 20 g sterling wire, balls of 10k gold alloy, patina, lemon quartz, pyrite, yellow apatite, 26 g fine silver wire, soldering, wire wrapping, piercing

Each of the pair of earrings submitted for the Earring Show this year embody the core design principle that Christine works to infuse each of her pieces with that being the desire to create a flow in the materials that brings it to life, so that each piece seems to be infused with movement, playing on the light and textures within. Christine is more often influenced to start a design by seeking to create an interesting texture, or highlighting the shape of the gemstone, rather than planning any specific outcome in the piece. While this may appear to be a random way to create, once the piece begins, each hammer strike, each torching of the silver is intentional while the piece evolves. The fluidity of the metal under the hammer is almost a meditative process to her. Her design mantra is a quote by one of her favourite directors, Alfred Hitchcock, who said, "ideas come from everything." Working in sterling silver or 14 k gold fill, allows Christine to experiment with different lights and shadows with varying degrees of patinas and finishes. The use of patina allows the texturing to come to life in the piece, rather than the blank shine of a mirror finish. In these sets of earrings, she has chosen to focus solely on the versatility of the metals, to create bold pieces that still have key focal points without the addition of gemstones. Another core principle of her work is to show that even larger pieces of jewelry can be made to ensure all day comfort to the wearer. Consideration of the weight, structure and placement of the components are key to making her statement jewelry known for its wearability. And finally, as always, Christine uses her timeless jewelry as a vehicle to forge a human connection, to initiate conversations and draw attention. Being an introvert, Christine's statement pieces are meant to draw people in and create intimate connections, a way for the more quiet amongst us to seek out meaningful dialogue.