For my latest jewelry collection, I wanted to capture this unique blend of influences through the medium of laser-cut geometric forms.
Drawn to the clean lines and warm tones of midcentury modern wood design, as well as the captivating topographic patterns of local maps, I set out to create a series of minimalist yet striking jewelry pieces. The goal was simple: embrace simplicity and let the inherent beauty of the materials shine through.
Over three intense weeks, I experimented with a range of geometric shapes, from triangles and rectangles to more organic, undulating forms. Carefully selecting the placement and orientation of these shapes, I worked to evoke a sense of depth and movement, as if the pieces were constantly in flux.
The use of gold leaf accents was a deliberate choice, adding a touch of luxury and warmth to balance the cool, industrial feel of the laser-cut material. This interplay of natural and man-made elements is a recurring theme in my work, reflecting the duality of the Pacific Northwest landscape.
Achieving precise, clean laser cuts was no easy task. I had to do extensive testing and fine-tune the equipment settings to get it right. Integrating the delicate gold leaf without compromising the structural integrity of the pieces also demanded a high level of craftsmanship – I broke more than a few prototypes before nailing the technique.
But these challenges only served to strengthen my resolve and push the boundaries of what’s possible with laser-cut jewelry. The end result is a collection that seamlessly blends modernist aesthetics with the organic beauty of the natural world – a true reflection of my design philosophy and the inspiration I draw from my Pacific Northwest home.
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