Strewn and Balanced

Here is another example of scatter in a composition. There is no organized pattern. The many elements are different in color and size and although most are round, there is smattering of crackle on the outside edges to counter that. So why does this pendant by Cecilia Button still work?

The approach that holds this together is repetition and relationship. All the elements are arranged in a vertical alignment so although they are not quite lined up, the items scattered across the face of the pendant follow a general up and down path. The gold is also repeated, foil on either side, gold-green clay and those gold micro beads in the center. Then the gold micro beads are primarily on the darker colored clay while blacks beads roughly mirror them, sunk into light colored clay. Both sides have large muted green or gray spots. Repetition, mirroring and carrying characteristics of the elements across draws the relationship between them all and creates a cohesive piece.

Cecilia says the technique on this was adapted from a tutorial from Leggende Segrete although I can’t figure out which one, probably because she so very much made it her own. Cecilia is highly innovative with whatever technique or form she works with. Time on her Flickr pages and her blog site are worth more than just a quick perusal. Get some coffee or tea, take a little break, and spend some time with her work!

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