Outside Inspiration: A Change in Texture
Some of the most dramatic focal points are the quiet ones. Like the way a room can be buzzing with conversation and movement as people mingle at a party, but the one person who keeps drawing your eye when you look around is the quiet one, not talking, just leaning up against a wall and watching. That quiet stillness is such a contrast to the rest of the environment and without saying a single word, someone or something can manage to grab all available attention.
This beautiful collar necklace by Laura McCabe demonstrates this wonderfully. The intricacy of the beadwork draws you in, but it’s that single red cabochon that holds your attention and seems to laud over the piece. It’s also what makes all the busy bead work visually manageable as it gives the eye a place to rest. Because of its contrasting calm, not to mention its central position, the viewer will constantly be drawn back to it. It’s one strong focal point in a very dramatic piece.
This is one of Laura’s older pieces, so the only thing I have for you to investigate if this particular style appeals to you is the blog I originally found this on, The Secret Life of Jewelry, which is an awesome spot for finding great art jewelry, by the way. Laura’s more recent work takes on a kind of punk aesthetic with a lot of pointy beads and darker colors. It’s very lovely work whether that is your thing or not. You can find her more recent work on her newer website
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