glitter, gold and getting well
We have talked about kintsugi on the blog before - the Japanese art of knowing that something is more beautiful for having been broken.
Today I wanted to share the wonderful work of Eleanor Kerr-Patton because of the way she uses her introspective art jewellery to help change the conversation about mental ill health and recovery.
Something that a lot of us are struggling with during this pandemic.
Eleanor's work explores recovery from mental ill health. Turning past damage into something beautiful to be celebrated, Eleanor hand breaks each mirror and repairs it with golden dust. Hand making each setting to fit the repaired mirror perfectly it is set in place as a reminder of the transformation of recovery.
Informed by her own experience of recovery from anxiety, Eleanor wants to help people change how they view their journeys and celebrate their beauty despite feeling broken.
Following a period of mental ill health, the creation of this collection enabled me to explore and come to terms with my own experience of mental illness and trauma.
Through personal experience of anxiety and depression, I also became more aware of the taboo and isolation associated with mental health. I have become an active advocate for mental health support and awareness. Though this collection, I wish to contribute to a move towards a more candid, open approach to conversations about mental illness and trauma.
Above all else I wish to show people living with mental ill health that their beauty and resilience should be celebrated.
Ethically sourced sterling silver is used to encase shattered mirror, bonded by seams of golden dust. The signs of past damage become something to be admired and celebrated. I use mirrors to represent the self; broken, repaired, and perfect whole mirrors, are used to represent each stage of mental illness. While gold has historically been used to heal physical illness, I use it to expresses the healing of the mind.
In the tradition of Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer and pure gold dust , I have endeavoured to show the beauty of damaged things. The philosophy of the technique treats damage and repair as part of the history of the object, rather than something to disguise.
Each piece in this collection can be worn as an outwardly visible representation of a journey often invisible to others. They are often used as a means to start conversation about mental health with others. In the months following the launch of this collection, I have been contacted by many people who have felt empowered and enabled to share their story with me and others as a consequence of the connection they have made with these pieces.
Where ever people are in their journey to recovery, my hope is for this work to send a positive message that as isolating as it can seem at the time we are all touched by mental health challenges at some point in our lives. These experiences can leave us stronger, wiser and more aware of the needs of others.
Her etsy shop also features her glorious Celebration collection which she creates to bring a sense of joy in everyday life, reconnecting to a sense of childish delight. Her eco resin glitter jewels made into giant rainbow giant gems have certainly put a big smile on my festive face.
As Christmas is bearing down upon us, I hope you are all feeling hopeful and well.
Big Love
Queen Marie