Hidden Gems, 2023

For this repetition project, I chose to craft 100 gems with different variations. Each variation is a different size, with different gem cuts. By choosing this object, my goal was to use the material of clay to show what society's views as valuable and invaluable. When someone talks about a gem, it is known for being shiny, tough, and consisting of some sense of value. Clay on the other hand is brittle once dry, dirty, and can be seen as mud to some. 

My goal for the base was to create an interesting structure in which the gems could be displayed on. I wanted this form to have many nooks for the gems to be shown, so while the piece was being observed, different gems that were more hidden could be discovered. I feel this artistic choice forces the viewer to get physically closer to the work, in order to appreciate each gem and their different variations. This base was made from foam insulation which was then cut to create shelves and the final form. Paper mache was used over the insulation, then painted white to display a contrast between the clay gems and base.