Symbolic Metal - Honoring the Spirit

Jewelry, metal working has inspired me to think of metal as an other dimensional element which can be incorporated into fiber art work.  The main goal this summer was to learn how to work with different metals. I was able to acquire basic metal working skills through a summer class at our local community college.

The final piece, Honoring the Spirit, combined many of the skills I acquired through the six week class. Construction of the piece incorporated sawing, soldering, inlaying a stone, setting rivets and risers, and using a ball pin hammer and an embellishing tool to add texture.  Materials used were a fossilized stone, copper, brass, brass wire, silver tubing, and silver bezel. The piece combines two different cultural icons, the Celtic Cross and the Hawaiian sea turtle, Honu and measures 5 by 7 inches. 

The Celtic cross is often depicted with a joined cross and circle. The four arms of the cross are interpreted as the four elements (earth, air, fire, water), the four directions of the compass (north, south, east, west) or the four parts of man (mind, soul, heart, body).  "In various cultures and traditions among ancient races, circles were used to represent the moon and a cross and circle conjoined symbolism the sun. So, it's likely that the Celtic cross was originally a Pagan sun or moon representation." (Celtic cross meaning) 

The Hawaiian sea turtle, is the Hawaiian symbol of longevity, peace, good luck, humility, long life and the spirit within." According to Hawaiian mythology, the Turtle (Honu) Goddess, Kauila was empowered with the ability to turn herself from a turtle into human form and would play with the children along the shoreline and keep watch over them." (Honu mythology) 

Celtic Honu - 5 by 7 inches

Detail showing three declensions