I created this necklace in my ongoing exploration and examination of my faith...something I have been working on for a long time and actually quite afraid to do. I know it sounds silly, but growing up catholic , attending catholic school, and being instructed by nuns....let's just say I carried a lot of guilt with me over the years. This is in one way an exercise to shed some of that guilt, and to be able to celebrate what I believe. I really feared using a religious picture, medal, icon, etc....would be somehow wrong, blasphemous, ignorant. I tried to rationalize in my head, but it took a long time to sink in, and I think it was only by doing it, did I actually feel good about it, and reaffirm my beliefs. I was proud to wear it the other day, and am starting to become so comfortable with it I don't want to let it go...that is until I make another!! I have had talks recently regarding faith with a few artists I admire and respect, and they have also helped me along this journey. For this piece, I tried a technique that Deryn Mentock had published in the March/April 2009 issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry magazine, applying image transfers to chandalier crystals. Deryn"s blog is Something Sublime, and she is a kind, lovely person, and so talented, and is always willing to share. So a new journey of faith begins here, one filled with anticipation and celebration.....and whatever your faith, I hope this post in some little way will help you with your journey also.
