Sunday, May 30, 2010

Weekly challenge


I have decided that I need a creative jump start of sorts. I really need to get back into my studio for some serious work. You can read some background here. I've been kicking this idea around for a while now but just needed a kick in the butt to just dive in and start. I was inspired by my friend Noah and his Skull-a-Day project.

Memorial Day seemed like an appropriate time to start as we remember the lives and sacrifices of our fallen soldiers.

Here's my challenge:
I will be making one reliquary per week for a year. I will post a photo of the relic on Sunday and then will post the finished reliquary by Saturday.

What is a relic?
It's something saved from the past; something kept in remembrance; souvenir; memento;
the remains of a deceased person; remaining parts or fragments; a surviving trace of something.
(memento, keepsake, souvenir, token, remnant, fragment, antique, reminder, memorial, trophy, remembrance, ruins)
I will be using everything from cremated remains (of my beloved pets) to found objects, and everything in between.

What is a reliquary?
It's a repository or receptacle for relics; a container for relics
(shrine, niche, sanctuary, altar, grave, container, vessel, box, case)
I will not be limiting myself to only making jewelry. Some may become jewelry objects, some may not.

Why make reliquaries?
It may seem morbid to some but I am a sucker for sentimental/mourning jewelry and art. Victorian mourning jewelry and art, the Mexican culture surrounding Dia de los Muertos and ancient Egyptian culture are huge influences in my personal life and art. One foot in life, one foot in death. Memento mori reminds us, not so subtly, that we are mere mortals and will all die someday. Remembering deceased loved ones keeps them alive in our hearts. I wear one everyday. It's a necklace I made with my mother's ashes in it. I am wearing it in the photo above, taken by my sister Carla.
Don't worry though, I won't be all gloomy. Promise!

Okay then, here I go!

3 comments:

dejavudu said...

You & I have always agreed that there is no need to find mortality somber or depressive. Godspeed on this endeaver - i will be watching.
There is something so romantic in contemplating the ephemeral nature of everything (look out, my Buddhism is showing).
<3

carla ten eyck said...

I can't wait to see how this project evolves.... it is such a beautiful idea and it is so you!

Susannah McGlamery said...

Tere! I love this beautiful idea (and your entire blog for that matter)... :)