ANTIQUE GOLD CURTAINS

Linda Kaye-Moses • Dalton, MA
Let it Begin with Me: The Order of Noble Wisdom; The Lone Bird of Peace, The Purple Blossom of Tears
Brooches: sterling and fine silver; 18k gold, amethyst, moonstone, shell, freshwater pearls, polymer clay
Nesting Case: wood, found objects, silk, paper, acrylic paint and varnish, leather, pen and ink, military ribbon
$5000

The symbology of the three brooches, Anti-War Medals, of this piece subverts the meaning of traditional military Medals and the behaviour they generally reward. These anti-war Medals reward a more humane system of values and a recognise that the values embraced by military awards are a distortion of all that creates and enhances life. The design elements of the Medals supports this theme.

Anti-War Medal #1
The Order of Noble Wisdom rewards the nobility of wisdom used to establish Peace.

Anti-War Medal #2
The Lone Bird of Peace Medal rewards, in a world of wars, the lonely courage to voice an anti-war philosophy.

Anti-War Medal #3
The Purple Blossom of Tears Medal replaces the Purple Heart. It rewards compassion and sorrow. Compassion for humanity and all living things. Deep sorrow for those who have suffered as a result of war.

The Nesting Case is embellished with elements related to the nature of the Medals it contains. The Case and the pad that the Medals rest on are covered with words, ("Pace", "Let It Begin With Me", "Shalom", "Salaam", "Dona Nobis Pace", "All We Are Saying" etc.) but they are applied in reverse. The only way they can be read them, is to remove the Medals and hold the Nesting Case under the chin in front of a mirror, so that the lettering can be seen. The words become clear, reminding the viewer to remain mindful and conscious about seeking peace.

Belvedere vodka has been doing a lot of promotion lately to build their brand. The latest is the Jagger Dagger, a sword designed by Jade Jagger, Mick’s daughter and creative director at Garrard.

The sword has an 18K white gold studded hilt with 12 carats of brilliant-cut diamonds, 42 pale sapphires, and a central blue lapis lazuli square.

The blade is created from mirror-polished carbon steel with an engraving of the same tree branches that decorate the Belvedere bottle.

The “Jagger Dagger” will be part of an tableside ice-picking service with the sword provided by servers at certain nightclubs such as 1OAK in New York, Crystal in London, and VIP in Paris.

Each dagger has a retail value exceeding $250,000. A range of daggers in the same style but with white topaz in lieu of diamonds and aquamarine instead of sapphires will sell for $10,000 at certain retailers.

2008.04.10