Basic Elements: Line, texture and Movement

Line:
Here an illustration from one of my favorite metal smith, Abigail Percy. With many, if not all of her jewelry pieces, she likes to make an drawing of an intended piece such as this illustration of 3 ginkgo leaves. The lines are simple and moving in one continuous upward direction that creates an illusion of volume. There is no sense of hesitation with this image as depicted in the strong, steady and fluidity of the lines. The soft lines of the top of the ginkgo leaves is contrasted by the darker lines that constructs the stems of the leaves. The juxtaposition of the light and dark lines also creates a sense of depth for the leaves. Another contrast is the difference between the curve of the top of the leaves in comparison to the straightness of the stem.


Texture:
Here is a the completed ginkgo necklace, by the same artist. The necklace compose of a sawed cut out of a ginkgo leaf. The texture is a created cross hatch design made by placing the metal in a rolling mill. The cross hatch is not very deep, just slightly etched on the surface which creates a matte sheen and creates a uniform bumpiness to the piece. The slight ridges is a good contrast to the five soft polish pearl. The pearls are smooth with rounded edges which gives off a mirror or reflective quality.


Movement:
Here is an inspirational picture of a relief carving on a Paris building that is yet to become a jewelry piece from the previous metal smith, Abigail Percy. This carving is a great example of movement. This images is not static like the two other example. It consist of four leaves that are connected at a base with three of the larger leaves climbing upward of the building. The smaller leaf cascade downward and eventually joins with additional leaves and flowers. The tips of the leaves on this carving curls to the right, the left and in every direction creating a wave like motion.