[Jewelry making - Article 01407] - Re: [Orchid] Art and Jewelry

[Michael Honeycutt]

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    Hi Julia,  I have wondered the same things that you brought up in
    your post. I have to say that , in my opinion ( for what it's
    worth), the appreciation for true hand made wearable art started its
    decline at the beginning of the industrial revolution. It wasn't
    immediately apparent at the time but, after years and years of the
    mindset that developed with mass production and mass marketing, most
    people no longer appreciate the notion of hand-made wearable art.
    Everyone wants " a little necklace just exactly like the one I saw
    Nicole Kidman wearing at the Oscars." Ok, not everyone, but still,
    it seems that we have become a nation of imitators (in the U.S.). I
    see it in the youth where they insist that they are trying to show
    their individuality but they dress in all the latest styles, just
    like everyone else. It's hard to be an individual when you're neck
    deep in the herd instinct. That's part of why I find this site so
    refreshing. I have no intentions of trying to be a metalsmith to
    earn a living but still, here at Orchid, I find tons of inspiration
    by looking at the galleries of these artists. I consider the folks
    here to be true artists. In my short time of working with  jewelry
    scale metalworking I have become absolutely convinced that this is
    wearable sculpture and not "just jewelry". To be sure, there is
    money to be made in multiple castings and mass production work. I
    understand that and even respect it. There are a lot of folks making
    an honest living in the production of these works. There's no shame
    in it. 

    However, I do think that it has had a detrimental effect on the
    concept of individuality and the notion of jewelry as an art form
    instead of mere adornment. You're correct, I too see a lot of bare
    necks that, while beautiful on their own, could be accentuated by
    some wearable art. That goes for arms, wrists, hands and ears as
    well. 

Mike

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