I am buying myself a new piece of jewelry today. I know many of you know I am being completely serious. But, for people who don’t know me as well, let me explain.
I am a jewelry collector. Every piece I own is meaningful to me. I have a ring that represents my daughter and another one the represents sisterhood. I have earrings that hold memories of good days, hard days or special days. My arm full of bracelets is like a short story. Each piece has symbolism to me. My stacked necklaces tell even more stories of my personal history and my passion for trying to live a meaningful life.
I LOVE art. I LOVE that I can wear art on my body in the form of jewelry. I have always been fascinated by cultures that are adorned. I can get lost in an exhibit or book about the history of jewelry pieces for long periods of time. I never regret an art purchase. I take great pleasure from the art in my home. But, getting to “carry” part of my art collection with me everywhere I go is particularly enjoyable to me.I am feeling frustrated lately. The Presidential election has me worked-up and worried. And, it has slowed our customer visits to the store, which adds to my worry. It is totally predictable. Every big election year causes people to “pause” their spending for a bit. It makes sense, of course. But all the small businesses in our neighborhood are chatting and worrying about when it will bounce back. Again, feeding my frustration with this crazy year.
But, life marches on. And while the election has continued to play out, we have had two jewelry Trunk Shows this month at the store, one dedicated to metal smith works and one for beaded and composition jewelry pieces. They have brought me much needed joy, distraction and grounding. It always helps me to be “hands on” at work. It reminds me that I have chosen to spend my “work life” celebrating people through the medium of art.
Now that I have seen both shows and all my choices. I am ready to add to my collection. And, nothing, absolutely nothing cheers me up and helps me focus on what is important in my life, more than a really lovely new piece of art.
It’s time to get out of my head and into my surroundings…election be damned. The only question now, is which piece of jewelry will I choose? It will remind me about this complicated time in American history for a very long time. It will need to be special. Should it be rugged, dramatic and prepared for lots of wear-and-tear? Or, should just be delicate, lovely and represent the simple beauty that surrounds us all? I love choices, because it is our choices that define us individually and collectively. I will try very hard to choose wisely today and on election day.
#artchangeslives #artmatters #pursuegoodstuff
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Ooooh – coveting those earrings at the top – lovely
They are pretty fantastic indeed. I have them on my wish list – or a pair like them. I picked a different “therapy” piece. Love my therapy jewelry.