Negative space

It is the empty spaces created or formed between the beads. These may be created both intentionally or by chance during the manufacturing process, however, when wanting to create a specific message, feel or theme these are important. In Habing’s design example in the dimensionality section above, one can see the benefits of negative space within a design.

Abstraction

Abstraction in beadwork is when the designer extracts or interprets a specific design element from their source of inspiration so that it becomes part of their creation. A jewellery example would be the work of Rayo Boursier, who based his cuff on a roof designed by John Lautner. The table below depicts Boursier interpretation of Lautner’s roof structure design. This piece was a result of an evening out, where he was inspired by both the interior and the exterior of his surroundings. The jewellery designer has therefore tried to capture and articulate both of these aspects within his piece.

Inspiration	Outcome
Figure 3 Sheats-Goldstein house in Los Angeles. Photo Woolf Haxton. [ONLINE][1]	Figure 4 Rayo Boursier’s Horned Cuff the cuff winging off in every direction. (McKinnon, n.d., p. 32)

---

[1] www.thevhf.com -

What is interesting about Boursier’s interpretation and rendition of Lautner’s work is that he has not merely taken the triangle to then create a flat piece of jewellery, however he has instead tried to preserve the integrity of the 3D feel of the actual structure. He has also considered and expressed the hollow characteristics which the roof articulates with the aid of the lighting, positive and negative spaces.

---

[1] www.thevhf.com -

Emily Christiana Bryne

In her work, Bryne's main aim is to use her narrative jewellery as a means to engage with the wearer and her audience.

Engagement ring, understanding connection. (2009)

The jewellery item designed by Bryne is one of her earlier experiments where she was trying to explore the concept of connection and ways in which she could depict it using jewellery. I have chosen the above picture as it embodies the concept of expressing a narrative using contemporary jewellery. As it focuses more on the narrative it is meant to depict to an audience.

What I have found to be interesting about this piece is how it allows for an actual physical connection to another person. She went even further with her exploration by including an actual microphone as part of the ring design. This would then enable a person's heartbeat to be heard when placed on their heart, which will be then transmitted through the heartbeat she has created.

I have found the design to have taken many elements and thoughts into consideration, not simply relying on the mind of the viewer to dissect the designer's meaning.

1. Which Issues does she address in her work?
2. How does she deal with them?

                                 i.            Which materials has she used and why?

                               ii.            Which Techniques has she used?

                              iii.            What kind of Imagery and symbolism has she used?

• How is her work similar to mine?