In rapier lehmanni I have created a range of questionably wearable forms and objects derived from recycled jewellery cast into deceased plant forms.
The severetiy of an organic form becomes sharp and heavy when transferred to metal and with the use of precious metals the works become a sort of mourning jewellery with a sting, or perhaps a deep scratch. Traditional brooch and ring forms are cast with inclusions of plants that can be fiddled with and rotated by the wearer.
The structure of many of the wearable works came from cuttlefish castings of works given to me by my mother inlaw before she died.
The distinct colours of silver (white) copper (red and black) and a little gold (yellow) are combinded and presented in their unpolished state to emphasise the raw nature of the material, and as each form is handled it will ultimately become polished by touch.
The table of weapon-like works are an attempt to work with the strength of the alloy of copper and silver, known as shibuishi (tradionally used in samuri swords) against the often perceived fragility of a flower pod or seed casing, as the handle.

(Sarah Elson 2011)

Objects, Brooches, Pendants, Rings and Necklace.
Materials used - recycled silver, copper, bronze, brass and gold. All works completed 2011