November 15, 2010

The Art of Imperfection


I let the bottom of this cross get too cool while I was working and it cracked while I was adding the side arms.  Any other time I would have tossed it into the mug of water sitting on my table, but I couldn't bring myself to do it with this one so I took it back to molten hot and decided that worst case scenario if it stuck to the mandrel I would have a nice plant stake.  It survived and came off the mandrel, albeit with a smooth chunk out of the bottom where the cracked piece flew off in the flame.

The lampwork bead that hangs from the side is short 1 surface dot...the likely casualty of thoughts that wander.

The hand is one of those unfortunate to be expected losses in a wholesale bulk order~ passable, but not quite right.

The Swarovski dangles at the bottom were from earrings I made back in '05 that didn't sell so I dismantled them and for some reason kept the crystals wired.

That leaf is chipped on both sides of the hole.

The sterling Freedom ring was a gift from a dear friend many years ago.   I was never inspired to use it until now, and it's meaning is much different than I think she ever would have imagined.

This one is for me.  The me I was, the me I am, the me I have yet to become. 

~~

Thanks for the ride, God. 
It's just my size.

~~

15 comments:

  1. i think you have created in what is refered to as the wabi sabi view.
    beautiful in it's imperfection

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  2. Darling Juls, Imperfections are sometimes absolutely perfect. Such is the case with this gorgeous design! Love it!

    {Hugs!}

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  3. Imperfections never looked so pretty or meant so much! I know you will wear this proudly! OK I would wear it proudly too but you already said it's just for you!

    Hugs

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  4. That is, to use your own word, awesomesauce. Dear lady, you are the epitome of grace and class. I want to be you when I grow up...if I ever grow up...

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  5. That is the nicest story of a creation I have heard in a long time. I think that every single thing I make is fraught with imperfections, but more the ones that only I know. But to have them be so meaningful is priceless. Can I be you when I grow up? (That assumes I will grow up!)
    Enjoy the day! Thanks for sharing, Juls!
    Erin

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  6. wow, Juls! Deep thoughts, showing us your sensitive side, I like that! You've probably heard that the Persians weave a mistake into every rug to show their recognition that only God is perfect. Humility is always a very becoming quality. It's nice when we can admit our mistakes together, they don't seem so bad after all!

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  7. Hey remember the only perfect one is earth maker. Hmmmm we all strive don't we.
    Nicole/Beadwright

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  8. I love the fact that you call imperfection an art, Juls. It's not only an art, I think it's mandatory! I love what you made for yourself!

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  9. Love what you've done here Juls - what an inspiration!

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  10. Sometime Imperfection is perfect...

    WOW! Okay Dawn, I just read the comments as I was writing this...scary!

    Juls - I know how good it feels to make something for yourself once in a while. Enjoy your imperfection.

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