Response to "Embodied Sympathy" by Bruce Metcalf

"Embodied Sympathy" by Bruce Metcalf
   
     The author explains that there is a certain kind of craft that is embodied sympathy.
     Sympathy, as a moral sentiment, motivates altruistic acts. A piece of jewelry, or any other art object becomes an extension of the maker, and a vehicle for the maker's sympathy. The maker designs an object to recreate an experience that she/ he found beneficial for herself/ himself. The object then becomes a medium for the gesture of aid and comfort. And that, the author explains, is a kind of craft that is embodied sympathy. Metcalf sees sympathetic craft as an extension of its makers. The necklace, in being worn, actualizes the jeweler's wish to make her customer more beautiful and confident. And this, he explains, is embodiment. I agree with the authors thoughts, and with the observation that craft-as-art is less capable of embodying sympathy because it shuns ordinary use and intimate human contact.

     Nearly the whole language for communicating emotion in jewelry is obsolete, almost lost, he argues.
The author tells us how he was struggling to find a piece of jewelry for his wife, that would clearly express love. Almost all the studio jewelry he looked at was not "sentimental jewelry". He says, it was like serious jewelers decided that affection  wasn't a worthy subject for art. The author ended up buying one of Pat Flynn's heart pins, "made for marketplace, without high ambitions". This simple pin, he says, did a better job expressing feeling than art.

     If the author asked for my help in finding a piece of jewelry that expresses love, I would suggest the LOVE BRACELET by Cartier. I am surprised he didn't come across it in his search, as it is very well known and has been made since 1970s. It is the first piece of jewelry that comes to mind when I think of love.

From Cartier's website:          LOVE BRACELETS

This bracelet is a universal symbol of love and commitment. The LOVE collection, created in 1970s New York, has sealed the passionate romances of a host of iconic couples. The LOVE bracelet is a flat bangle studded with screws that locks to the wrist. Opened and fastened with a screwdriver, the piece serves to sanctify inseparable love. This undeniably elegant unisex piece forms the basis of this signature jewelry collection. Bracelet, ring or necklace: how far would you go for love?

A child of 1970s New York, the LOVE collection remains today an iconic symbol of love that transgresses convention. The screw motifs, ideal oval shape and undeniable elegance establish the piece as a timeless tribute to passionate romance. 

5 Designers

CREATIVE CAFFEINE: 5 Inspirational Designers

1.  Kim Eric Lilot

A Memento Mori necklace of interlocking white gold skeletal links with fabricated hinges and joints. 

The wreath is fashioned from 24, 18 and 14karat white, green, red, royal and yellow golds. Bezel set with a dramatic 2.55ct Australian Black Fire Opal. The inspiration for this necklace was a desire to create a primal tribute to all sentient beings and our shared brief yet significant existence. The narrative symbolism of the transitory beauty in the spring floral wreath and the ominous bookends that frame our existence should not be lost on anyone who appreciates this design.

"Epiphany" necklace

A highly sculptural, three dimensional, anatomical skeletal necklace in the artist's Memento Mori Series. Fabricated in 14kt Palladium white gold the skeleton's torso encases an anatomically accurate bas' relief carving of the human torso in natural, undyed Ox-Blood Coral along with a three-dimensional heart carved out of Rubellite Tourmaline. The arms are cleverly attached to the shoulder bones with hidden ball-and-socket joinery. A life-long fascination with the figure and anatomy led to this creation and there is an obvious influence from Edvard Munch's "The Scream" in the pose.

"Memento Mori - Tribute to a Genius" ring

A unique hand made 'Memento Mori' ring in 18 karat yellow gold. Cleverly inlaid with a three-dimensional bas' relief carving of the human brain carved in Australian Fire Opal by the Gem Carver Sean Davis. The ring is hand chased and engraved with anatomical precision.

Satin finished.

2. Hratch Babikian

"Maine Round Yellow" Silver & Stone Necklace

This statement piece is created in oxidized sterling silver, with a very dimensional and textured dome in the center. A bright yellow faceted citrine punctuates the piece. The special multi-chain is created and crafted entirely by hand in the artist's studio. Limited edition of 10.

"Sea Urchin Ring" Gold & Stone Ring

"Mediterranean Dome Chryso" Gold, Silver, & Stone Necklace

3. Kristin Holeman

Necklaces: Enamels set in Hand Fabricated Sterling Silver

4. Claudio Pino

Claudio Pino is a jewellery designer world renowned especially for his unique sculptural rings. The combination of colors is the source of all Pino’s designs. He is passionate about gemstones and fascinated by their properties. He juxtaposes icy silver with the warm glow of gold, calm green emeralds with vivid red rubies, complimented with the fresh hue of white pearls. In his design, Claudio Pino searches for originality and integrity of expression while exploring various forms of communication in jewelry. All his collections bear witness to the historical grandeur of jewelry making, while at the same time they are animated by contemporary tones. Having gemstones, connected to one’s own body movements and having it associated with one’s personal appearance is his subject of investigation all by itself.

5. Jacob Albee

Jacob Albee Designs uses 100% recycled precious metals, including 14k, 18k, 22k, and 24k golds of different colors, pure and alloyed platinum, pure and sterling silver, and ethically sourced diamonds and other traditional and non-traditional gemstones. He also incorporates rubber, Gibeon Meteorite, and Vermont hardwood in his designs.