One of my favorite parts about owning a store front is the space I have for doing an installation piece.
I love installation art because of the dimension and depth of experience one can create.
Recently I have been struck by the idea of true strength and, in particular, how it relates to beauty. With the nature of my upbringing I had to be strong... I am sure many can relate. For me that meant holding in whatever I was going through and putting on a happy face... being tough. But when acting strong just becomes that... an act, authenticity has taken a back seat and true strength is nowhere to be seen.
For me the definition of strength has become an act of humility, choosing to live with the consequences of a wrong someone else has done to you, leaning into an uncomfortable conversation for the sake of a friendship, or admitting weakness and asking for help. There is something eternally beautiful when people demonstrate this kind of strength, and I wanted each of my pieces to reflect a facet of this story about what makes us strong and about where our strength comes from.
As for my installation this season...
I've always been captivated by the imagery of the sea... the feelings it evokes. The sea is strong and can be dangerous, but also peaceful and deep.
As I considered strength, the image of a small boat upon the ocean deep came to my mind. I know that in my journey I am not all-knowing and all-powerful, but I know the One who is.
I am being carried on this journey and my responsibility is just to put up my sail and allow the wind and waves to see me through. I am a vessel to be filled and guided. This idea sparked the design concept for the Navio Necklace which means "ship" in Spanish. This particular design represents us and I hope it can been a reminder to you about the importance of knowing you are created to be carried & created to make it. Be carried here!
I've carefully paired all of my pieces together in this collection and for the Navio I selected an unexpected compliment....
The Twila Earring which means "woven with a double thread." When I was little, I used to sit on my mother's knee while she sewed. A mother's love is like being woven with a double thread. Secure. Safe. Never broken. The delicacy and intricacy of these earrings remind me of her and all the ways we are loved by our mothers. Take a peek at Twila herself here!
With strength & beauty,
Summer