Marianne Brown: 2014

Years ago I tried to incorporate weaving into my jewellery. I shared the shop in Cowichan Bay with friend and fabulous weaver Jane Stafford who set me up with an inkle loom and taught me how to use it. I enjoyed the weaving but found it too fine and too intense after a full day of jewellery making and shop keeping. Last winter it was brutally cold here in Thunder Bay and I was looking for something to do inside so decided to try inkle weaving again. Many ribbons later here is what I am doing.

Arbutus and dark teal handwoven silk ribbon with sterling silver adjustable clasp - hessonite garnet and freshwater pearls ends.

Magenta, black and navy handwoven silk ribbon with sterling silver adjustable clasp and ends.

Handwoven silk ribbon and pearl necklace - hand knotted freshwater pearls and lemon quartz.

Handwoven silk ribbon with freshwater pearls and tourmalated quartz beads - hand knotted.

I like to write, but with jewellery I mostly just make it then see what happens. If I am happy with what I have made, then I send it out and see how it is received by customers - old and new - then I decide what to do next. The next is usually refining and defining a new line that will reflect past work yet excite me and others enough to keep me at it. Otherwise the choice is to go get another job; which I have done in the past and have enjoyed because there is a world out there after all, and it is filled with brilliant creative people and I want to know them and to see what they are doing and making.

So. This year I will write and share with you; stories that I have written or things that I have seen that inspire me. Things outside of my jewellery world that I want you to know about like my friend Eleanor Albanese's short film that I worked on and which has been a wonderful experience here in Northern Ontario. Oh and there will likely be jewellery to go along with this film titled - "Under The Pearl Moon" - how could I not ask Eleanor to let me return to my past where I worked as a set dresser in Vancouver - for that title.

What I saw through the lens of cinematographer Dave Clement, through the words and vision of Eleanor, through the performances of the actors, and through the dedication of the many who worked on and who believe in this film...well it will be a beautiful film. Since the filming we have lost one of the main actors and Eleanor's dear friend Jennifer Garrett. I knew her briefly and she was an artistic force that at first overwhelmed me then invited me into a brief but lovely friendship. She will be missed by many.

My next post will include images from the filming and from the sound track recording with original music composed by Lise Vaugeois and performed by the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. Lucky me was there taking photos.

Jewellery...right. I have some new stuff and I am happy. I have not stopped squishing plants but am also making 3D flowers. Textured with silk taffeta and hand formed into flowers and leaves. I am having fun and it may show.

Full Bloom - Ribbon Rose Pendant - sterling silver, pearl, lemon quartz (4inches long)