Kelvin Birk thinks it is inevitable that our personal experiences will include periods of deconstruction and loss and he maintains that out of this chaos comes order and recreation. Birk expresses this idea eloquently in his work by smashing gemstones and recreating them on precious metal forms.
Two Claw Cluster Ring, crushed citrine, peridot, 18kt gold
It takes courage to purposefully destroy precious raw materials and in doing so the artist makes an interesting statement about the value of things. Quoted on the Kath Libbert Jewellry Gallery website, Birk asks “Are the gemstones still valuable after I crush them? Is the material value higher than the value of my work and creativity and is the sentimental value kept or lost?”
Two Claw Cluster Ring, crushed rubies, pink agate, 22kt gold
What do you think? And can you deconstruct any of the traditional materials you use in your art? Will it change how you look at your materials? Will it change the value of the work? Can you give yourself over to the chaos and allow something new to emerge?
I dare you to try.
I just went through Kelvin’s work – spectacular! I PREFER the crushed gemstones!
Many of the pieces look like gems when they are found in the earth, before they are mined…rather than cut and faceted. It is as if Kelvin has returned them to their natural state.
Is it a quote from Picasso that says that all creation begins with the act of destruction?
Yes Genevieve! The quote: “Every act of creation is first an act of destruction.” Pablo Picasso
I prefer the smashed gemstones too – the colors are spectacular and the clusters remind me of rock candy or tiny crystals. For me, smashing the stones removed any pretentious association with status – a plus in my book.
I agree with you, Susan, and with Genevieve…I much prefer the natural look of these crushed gemstones. This is beautiful stuff…. thanks for sharing this.
I’m always anxious to see what will pop up when I come to your blog….I just love your aesthetic sensibilities…
Oooh ahhh, it’s wonderful. What is it about beautiful art like Kevin’s that leads us to reflect on what we value … and then how we share those values? Somehow it’s the intersection of craftsmanship with a deliberate message in a language without words juxtaposed onto an aesthetic that touches something in us that goes way w-a-y back in time. Or perhaps forward … ?
Well doesn’t that just say it ALL!
Such a brilliant example of nontraditional beauty.
I think it is the type of ‘new’ thinking we all being forced to embrace, and of course it takes an artist and their work to clear a path for others to follow.
xo
A.