Goin' Fishing

 

Materials: carnelian, antique brass and fused glass

 

Meanings: This semi-precious gemstone, Carnelian, is found primarily in India and South America. In China it is considered a red jade for its hardness and quality. Known to protect you from anger, bad moods and violence, it is associated with the planet Mars. It's other association is with career success and clear decisions.

 

As I sorted out a carnelian "donut" stone I noticed it was a perfect compliment for two glass turquoise beads that lay on my worktable. Remembering I had some fused glass turquoise fish beads, I searched through my "stash" of stones and in the process came up with three fish and a bag of carnelian chips. Red and orange stripes in the glass fish added interest. Both the  turquoise beads and the glass fish had strips of a brassy glitter. So I investigated my selection of chains and found an antique brass chain. Looking over the elements I saw bobbers (two turquoise beads: small and smaller). The chain could be fishing line; the carnelian could be bait.

 

I remembered that as a child I would go down to the White River in Indianapolis and talk with the fishermen along the bank. I loved sitting with them and hearing their stories. In those days, (1940) they were fishing to feed their families. While I was putting the necklace together, studying the balance and color distribution, I thought about the happy hours I had spent fishing at the reservoir below our home in Brewster, NY. I would get up before dawn to catch the big mouth bass at their daybreak feeding. In summers, I would take my children with me putting John into his playpen so he could be cool and play with his toys. Then I would help the other four bait their hooks, fasten their bobbers and throw out their lines. We laughed a lot and teased each other. Soon they would tire and nap on blankets. I can still recall the fresh breeze on my face and the rich earthy smells.

 

I designed this necklace so it can be worn asymmetrically. In other words, the catch isn't at the back of the necklace and the donut can be positioned along either the right or left side depending on the blouse, shirt or dress underneath it. Because I'm  a sculptor, either the back or front side of the necklace can be showing (if you can even tell the difference). Slight tonal changes in the donut, like pale strips, can be adjusted by turning the donut within its wires. And the bobber can spin. I like art jewelry with personality and play.