Initial Ideas: Mind Map

 To gather some inspiration and generate initial ideas, I created mind maps for this term's AP2 project. The project involves making a collection of jewellery including a necklace, earrings, a bracelet, an anklet, hair accessories and a brooch. This project is aimed at the town of  'New Cromwell', struck by disaster and rebuilding. The sketches on the mind maps are inspired by the colours and nature of Connecticut, the state that New Cromwell is in. I will go into more detail in this post. 

Fig. 1. Smith, W., The State Flag of Connecticut, 2024

The first mind map revolves around necklaces and earrings. I chose a golden base for most of my sketches, since gold is one of the colours of  the flag of Connecticut (Connecticut’s Official State Website, n.d.) and I think that gold, as a warm colour, is more inviting. For most of the decoration I chose to use pearls, resembling the white streamers on the flag, which also carries the state's motto. In addition, I added some of my own interests and inspirations, such as the moon and stars and sketching piercing jewellery as well as more conventional style earrings. I mostly used organic shapes and forms, such as swirls and circles. I believe jewellery should be used to enhance a look or outfit, instead of being a statement piece. The organic shapes fit into this well, allowing for a more delicate look.

Fig. 2. USDA, Red Trillium, 2024

Fig. 3. Caldwell Tree Care, Red Maple, 2024

On the second mind map I sketched bracelets and hair accessories. The bracelet designs could be used as anklets as well. I used more of the plants and trees found in the state of Connecticut, especially the Red Maple (Connecticut Tree Protection Association, n.d.) and the Red Trillium (Gardenia, n.d.) caught my attention. I think gold and red look especially good together. 

The hair accessories consist mostly of hair pins and hair sticks, in both wood and metal options.

The brooch designs focus solely on the plants and trees of the state. The grapevine idea comes from the state flag. Most of the designs are single brooches, however, I thought the idea of a double brooch might be interesting as well. I thought I could use a combination of resin and wire to create the designs. 

 

Fig. 4. Sansone, A. E., Grapevine, 2023

 I am most looking forward to exploring techniques on how to make the grapevines into a good looking piece of jewellery. Personally, I think the leaves, clusters of grapes and the spiral branches would translate well into jewellery. I would like to realise the branch choker as well, it is a design that I will explore further to see how much I could do with it.

I am relieved to find myself filled with inspiration for this project and I am looking forward to exploring different techniques to achieve my desired outcomes. I will be sharing more sketches and ideas in my next post.

References:

Connecticut’s Official State Website (n.d.). The State Flag. [online] CT.gov - Connecticut’s Official State Website. Available at: https://portal.ct.gov/About/State-Symbols/The-State-Flag [Accessed 12 Jul. 2024].

Connecticut Tree Protection Association (n.d.). Connecticut’s Native Trees. [online] CTPA (Connecticut Tree Protective Association). Available at: https://ctpa.org/connecticuts-native-trees/#:~:text=Ten%20Most%20Common%20Native%20Trees%20in%20Connecticut&text=Red%20Maple%20%E2%80%93%2027%25 [Accessed 12 Jul. 2024].

Gardenia (n.d.). Trillium erectum (Red Trillium). [online] Gardenia.net. Available at: https://www.gardenia.net/plant/trillium-erectum [Accessed 12 Jul. 2024].

Image References:

Fig. 1. Smith, W. (2024). Flag of Connecticut. Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-Connecticut [Accessed 14 Aug. 2024].

Fig. 2. USDA (2024). Red Trillium. USDA.gov. Available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/images/redtrillium/trillium_erectum_mthomas_lg.jpg [Accessed 14 Aug. 2024].

Fig. 3. Caldwell Tree Care (2024). Red Maple. Caldwell Tree Care. Available at: https://caldwelltreecare.com/how-to-care-for-a-red-maple/ [Accessed 14 Aug. 2024].

Fig. 4. Sansone, A.E. (2023). Grape. Country Living. Available at: https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/a44201662/how-to-plant-grape-vines/ [Accessed 14 Aug. 2024].