When nature speaks through jewelry (and teaches us about empowerment)

As you probably know if you've been following my art and nature journey, last year I hid out from the pandemic in the mountains for 5 months with my boyfriend on the Appalachian Trail. 

I learned many things on the adventure - about myself, relationships, empowerment, and self acceptance to name a few.

The thing that stuck with me the most were the rocks and all they stood for. 

As I mentioned here, the rocks started out as my nemesis, seemingly unbearable and panic inducing. 

But as I continued, I began to see them as a symbol of empowerment.

How do we grow and evolve and become stronger people without challenge? 

I couldn't shake this idea - I had to turn the rocks into jewelry. So... that's what I'm in the process of doing!

I've been busy carving wax into rock shapes by hand, turning a hard block into soft organic forms.

I love the idea of a rock to remind us of our inner strength and ability to overcome challenge. 

But I also thought a lot about what happens when you turn over a rock... There is an entire secret bountiful world underneath. 

While the rock is a great reminder of our strength, remembering that we are full of unexpected treasure is also important. 

I'm carving a little bloom of flowers to go inside the rock, this way, the necklace represents both your powerhouse strength and your hidden inner talents and beauty. 

Here's a little compilation video showing the wax carving process (plus my silly bug eyes through the optivisor)...

I can't wait for you to see the finished pieces! I've been ruminating on this concept since last August so I've had a lot of time to work out the details in my mind, and now, finally, I get to make them in metal.  

Find out how these turned out here!

I feel so lucky that I had the time and freedom for that extended hike. The opportunity to clear my head so I could truly listen to what nature wanted to teach me, was an amazing gift. 

How has nature been speaking to you lately?

Has nature kept you distracted and/or sane during the pandemic?

I'd love to know! Please comment below.