Yesterday I spent some time re-organizing my jewelry wall. I grew up in an artist's home, my mother being a jewelry artist, and did hundreds of art shows with them while growing up. My mother taught me the wonderful part of being an artist called bartering. I always thought it was so cool that she was able to trade with her friends and fellow artisans, works that they had both spent loving time with their hands creating. Over the years, as I developed my own artistry, I have done the same thing. I have been so fortunate to be able to trade goods or services with so many talented artisans and friends. Which, has led to an extensive jewelry collection. One that I am so very fond of. Each artisan made piece in my collection I hold so dear to my heart. I of course have a few pieces mixed in that are store bought cheapies... but the bulk of my jewelry is handmade. I love love love supporting other artisans (as you may notice through my posts), and being able to pick out a special piece to wear each day is a delight. And instead of cramming it all into drawers or boxes, I love to keep it out as a part of my art, I guess you could say. They are all little works of art, so why not? Everytime I pass by this wall, I feel overwhelmed with gratitude, and feel so very blessed. I am continually grateful for these friendships I have formed through the arts. Like minded creative souls who have entered my life, in turn continuing the inspiration spiral. This wall is so much more to me than just a huge collection of jewelry, it is a collection of stories, of friendships, of lives around the world being lived similar to mine, at least in the common creative thread. There is a spirit behind handmade jewelry that you just cannot get from mass produced jewelry. This wall, is full of spirit. Intermingling. Beauty.
For those of you who might ask, the big wooden piece hanging on the wall with the necklaces is part of an old piano. And the black shudder came from off of my parents house.
