Welcome weary traveler. Slow down and rest for a while. Might I offer you a tale, an idea?
When looking at a work of art in any form, I am always curious as to the inspiration and accompanying story behind it.
I have decided to document mine here.
Through photographs of the construction process, some information about the symbolism and intended meaning of each piece, I hope to give you a little insight into their stories, as well as show you a glimpse of my world.
My profession is Jewellery and Object design, and, like armour or masks, my pieces present the wearer with a slightly altered self-definition. Through the merging of wearer and piece, a statement is made.
Whether that statement is transformative, challenging, or reinforcing, depends upon the relationship of the object and the canvas.
My widely varying designs all have an undertone of the undiscovered, the hidden, and the secret.
Within my designs you can find two main themes:
The first is Gothic, the romantic darkness of which has held a fascination for me for as long as I can remember. The Gothic subculture is so vast and rich it provides a hugely diverse palette.
I am inspired by that part of me which always sees the "dark" side of everything, a place that is not necessarily evil, but for the casual observer may seem uncomfortable and unusual. The Dark Nouveau Gothic Designs come from a place in my mind where everything is just slightly out of sync with the everyday, that place where the precious is treasured, where every action, every symbol, has meaning and thought behind it. When you see my work, you will clearly understand what I mean.
Steampunk is the other major theme that enthrals me. You may not be familiar with the name, but I believe you will be with the idea. Imagine, if you will, a fascinating amalgamation of Victorian style, technological curiosities, and elegant mechanisms with an equal emphasis on both aesthetic beauty and function.
This growing subculture has its roots firmly in speculative fiction, which grew from the writing of Jules Verne and H. G. Wells to the present day Tim Powers, among others. More recently, this backdrop has spread out into the realms of film, television, graphic novels, and computer games, with titles including "The City Of Lost Children", "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” and "The Golden Compass", to name but a few.
To me, Steampunk items are a portal to another time, place and reality, where romance is not a weakness, and beauty is appreciated by all.
I find Steampunk inspiring and elegant; it gives me, as a designer, the ability to experiment with, and reinvent, the old, to redesign the new, to make exquisite, detailed objects for clientele who appreciate the dedication and effort involved in creating beautiful items born from an altered reality.
So I welcome to the world of Dark Nouveau. I hope you enjoy exploring the uncharted places where dusk falls, as you venture with me into the smoky dark. If I can provide you with any further information or assistance on your travels, please do not hesitate to ask.
I cannot wait to show you more of my inventions.
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