'Magrietjies' Petals in the Making

In the process of the making of my next series of pieces, Thoughts in Flowers, in addition to the buds, I will also be making flowers that resemble daisies in the open and wilting stages of the flowers.

Daisy Bud Opening

Fully Open Daisy

In these stages, when looking at an actual flower, the petals are not static, they have some kinetic properties where they are able to dance in the wind or move about when touched. A person feels tempted to rub the petals across one's fingers because of the soft feeling that the petals create, a tactile temptation. I want to create this same tactile desire in the open flower pieces of Thoughts in Flowers. I WANT my audience to pick up and play with my pieces in the same way that I played with the flowers in my hands as a little girl. 

To create this piece, I have pierced out a few loose petals from a 0.3mm sheet of sterling silver, I then shaped each petal by punching a groove down the center using a flat punch. these petals will then be connected to a disc with tiny grooves as in my Movement Jewellery post to create tiny hinge like systems. this will allow the petals to move about when manipulated. 

Thoughts in Flowers

For the past few months I have been burning to create more floral pieces that is similar to a prototype piece that I made last year that involves petals that move when manipulated. I thought that It would make an excellent concept for the PlatAfrica 2019 competition and I drew up an initial design sketch for this idea that I had for a daisy flower Brooch, that have moving petals. I wanted to create a flower jewellery piece that shows the growth and transition from bud, to blossom and then the wilting of the petals to symbolize the way that I experience an artistic Idea.

I have come up with a new concept idea that grew from the above design. It involves a series of five pieces that represent daisy flowers in different phases of growth.

The design sketch of my next series of pieces, Thoughts in Flowers. this piece will be made into metal.