It was the middle of 2020. My bestie felt a deep calling to move to Florida. She's always wanted to live by the ocean. I knew that this move was what she needed but it didn't mean that it didn't tear my heart out of my chest. I was so proud of her for being brave and taking the leap to fulfill her dream...but I was SO sad it was far away from me. I created this piece to try to work out my grief while at the same time celebrating the genuine joy I felt for her. These feelings can and do exist simultaneously- and there is incredible beauty in being at peace with both of them.
This piece is part of the Heirloom Mandala series. All pieces in this series are made of broken and repurposed jewelry handed down from my late mother and a dear friend of mine's late mother. It is my way of giving life to heirloom jewelry that is broken, discarded, and unworn. It is my way of expressing and giving form to my cyclical thoughts around grief. When those thoughts begin to spin in my head, I know it's time to create. I love that It is still possible to showcase pieces of jewelry and relieve memories from loved ones who have passed. Instead of letting these unworn pieces collect dust, I turn them into mandalas, celebrating the cyclical nature of life.
This piece is made of up-cycled wooden and red coral beads, shark vertebrae, shells from a broken necklace, up-cycled heron pin. Set on a sand textured background in a 1" deep black frame.
6" x 6" (with frame 6.5" x 6.5")