What I have done with each is to take something/s that the woman loves but is at a loss to use it in its current incarnation.
Mary had a bunch of beloved shirts that I transformed into a sexy sporty hippie ensemble.
The women have given me wonderful feedback: amazement at the skill/ideas, appreciation of the aesthetics, and reports of the compliments the work elicits.
For Deborah, I took a necklace that she didn't wear anymore, dismantling it and refashioning it with copper, lapis, carnelian, mother of pearl, amazonite, garnet, chalcedony and glass (and other?) beads as well as with some copper wrapping and hand made findings. This piece is a tryptic and can be worn as necklace/s and/or bracelet/s or as a belt.
This work has enabled me to recapitulate issues I have carried with me about art, creativity, what to 'do' with my abilities, and how to develop them (among other things).
For Janel, I took a dear purse of her grandmother's and painted on the metallic art nouveau flower and swirls, then adding silver leaf to the gold for a 2 tone effect.
Right now I am on a sabbatical, having created a couple of things for myself, and in the process of altering a couple of Indian Peasant clothing items.
I will soon resume my work for these ladies. 3 to go! After which, I plan to offer my service in energetic exchange to others. Anyone interested in some heirloom alchemy?
