‘Take some time to explore where you live and collect materials that you will then use to construct a form of body “decoration”.’
Context
Image of the Starbucks store where I acquired the cards which made up the foundation for my design
Before Assembly
I sourced materials from Starbucks, my recycling bin in my apartment and my already owned selection of stationery and supplies. I focused on finding things that conformed to a bright color palette and had the opportunity (in my mind) to be transformed into a wearable piece of art (also something which didn’t look like ‘trash’).
In total, I collected Q-tips, paper clips and assorted pink desk supplies, an array of brightly colored Starbucks cards both plastic and cardboard-based, aluminum can tops, plastic Cola bottles and caps, x1 broken acrylic nail, and a candy bar wrapper.
Process
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- Using a knife to cut up the Starbucks cards
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- Building layers
To construct the earrings I used super glue to bond the pieces together and scissors and a xacto knife to cut the pieces to shape/size. I also used a pair of pliers to bend paper clips into an earring style shape which I felt comfortable putting through my ear.
Final Product
Final Product in Context
What Meaning Does The Finished Ornamentation Hold For You As The Object’s Maker?
I’ve been very interested in jewelry design recently. I love earrings, I think they can completely transform and elevate a look and should be vitally considered when styling an outfit.
I wanted to create something bold and colorful which embodies me as a designer whilst also conforming to the brief set out. For this reason, I was very thoughtful and specific when sourcing the materials for my piece. I wanted to use items that were bright and fun so that what I produced would, not look like ‘trash’ but more reflect a transformation.
Part of my daily morning routine is going to Starbucks and getting a coffee. when I lived in the UK I would go to Starbucks every morning and by integrating the ritual into my routine when I moved here it gave me a sense of normality and security. When on my daily coffee run I noticed the cards on the counter and it suddenly came to me that I could use them as the foundation of my design!
How Does The Design Reflect The Environment You Live In?
Moving from Hampshire, England to NYC is a massive culture shock for me. Its a very big change albeit a positive one, and I find myself comparing my life before to my life now and the things that differ between the two communities.
One thing I do love about NYC is the ability to express yourself and embrace the energy of the city. I wanted to combine this feeling with my own personal design aesthetic (which tends to be inspired by experimental and deconstructed art/fashion) and create a piece that represents them both. I think I have managed to achieve this with my design and think that it is very successful
