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Saturday, March 19, 2016

We're All Ears - Arabesque Earrings

Hello!
Today I'm inspired by photos on the Earrings Everyday blog that Erin Prais-Hintz presented for the We're All Ears post.  She showcased arabesque art from the mosques of Iran as an inspiration for our earrings.  These stunningly beautiful sights are a wonder to behold.  Here is one photo she used, but be sure to take a look on the We're All Ears post for more amazing structures.
Celling of Hazrate-Masomeh’s mosque in Qom, Iran

As I contemplated these photos, I was struck by the similarities to other intricate, geometric designs.  Rose windows came to mind as I am teaching an art lesson on that now.  But, it is a very ancient and deeply embedded type of design in the human psyche.  Buddhist mandalas, Celtic crosses and Navajo sand paintings all share the same beginning in the circle, which represents the wholeness and unity of the cosmos. For those who want to see how these geometric designs are derived from the circle, see this: The Art of Islamic Pattern.

Now, how would I capture such intricate geometry in an earring?  Of course, I can only capture a small bit of it, an impression of it  I happened to have a couple of metal filigrees that would make a good start for the a patterned and divided center.  I layered on another filigree piece and filled the center with a turquoise rondelle and fluted bead cap.  But, it needed more, so I added dots of patina around the large filigree.  As is always the case, I debate with myself whether to add more or leave it alone.  What do you think?

Here they are:
Arabesque Earrings
And, another photo against the fence so you can see the effect of the patina and filigree layers better (but a little blurry!).
Arabesque Earrings

I would love to play with this idea more.  Thanks, Erin, for the inspiration.  I always enjoy your informative posts!

Happy Creating!
Terry

8 comments:

  1. I like them as is but also think a bit of colour on the second filigree would be really nice.
    Mona

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    1. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I so appreciate it!

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  2. Layer upon beautiful layer! The multi-media, multi-dimensional filigree look is so perfect for this challenge! Very impressive!

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  3. Fantastik interpretation. Your choice of filigree is perfect.

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  4. So happy that you enjoy this challenge! I love the way that the little dots of color on the edges draw your eye. I think you got the perfect amount...this from someone who doesn't really know the meaning of restraint! I think you nailed the inspiration! Thank you for playing along with me in the March We're All Ears Challenge. Check back on April 1st for our next inspiration! Enjoy the day! Erin

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  5. Forgot to say...thank you for the link to the geometric Islamic patterns! That would have come in handy when I was teaching (pre-internet! ;-)
    Erin

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  6. These are sooo pretty I like the color combo you used. This was such an interesting blog hop!! Thanks for sharing the link.

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  7. I love your interpretation!! So smart to use all those layers and then add the little pops of color to the largest filigree. I think that they are perfect just the way they are!

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