Horn of Plenty

Fruit and vegetables are one of mankind’s fundamental foodstuffs. They are associated with one of our most primary daily needs – eating – and are therefore closely connected with people. What is more, they stimulate and beguile the senses. These qualities are also essential in jewellery.

The intention within the ‘Daily Delicious’ collection is to represent fruit and vegetables’ relationship with people and their bodies. Everyday contact with these natural products – shopping, peeling, preparation and eating – serves as the chief source of inspiration. The sensual pleasure entailed in these acts invites us to celebrate the little things in life, playing with fruit and vegetables and adorning ourselves with their splendour. Translating fruit and vegetables into jewellery conjures up images from art and the decorative arts: images of luxuriance and profusion, of harvest festivals and traditional adornments. Classic ornamental motifs such as the Horn of Plenty are juxtaposed with my own contemporary context of daily life. Bead systems represent traditional ornamental repetitions from a technical aspect.

In the execution of this work, the emphasis lies on the human perspective and constructed nature, made of thin copper sheet. The copper colour ages over time and references the idea of growth and ripening of the fruit and vegetables. These fragile constructed copper objects are then reinforced through electroforming techniques that again, enhances the idea of growth.

Materials: copper, electroformed copper; natural, patinated or red gold plated. silver chain and leather
Photography on model: Stefanie Geerts