2020 – Bronze, 925 silver, topaz & steel.
HDW 104 x 5 x 78 mm
"I was asked to create an object based on my interpretation of a Catherine Wheel by a Contemporary Jewellery and Art collector. The name of the firework ‘Catherine Wheel’ comes from Saint Catherine, who was allegedly killed by pagans on a wooden wheel. In my research, I discovered that some historians suggest, or believe, that this story is actually a more contemporary retelling of the murder of Ancient Greek mathematician and Philosopher, Hypatia.
In much of my previous work I have explored the hidden histories of forgotten female heroes, creating miniature-monuments in their honour, this led me to dedicate this work to Hypatia. Regardless of the historical details of the story, the wrongful killings of these women speaks to a broader pattern of violence towards powerful women in ancient and recent history. Hypatia lived in Alexandria, whilst under Hellenistic rule, thus, I decided the portrait should be made in bronze; a material associated with this period, and the tears to be silver – as many Greek statues had inlaid silver eyes – which later were stolen because of their material worth".
The Brooch was commissioned in August 2019 and has taken close to a year to complete. The Brooch is now with the joint director of Wartski. There will be two variations on this brooch to be completed by 2022.
Hypatia
Hypatia
2020 – Bronze, 925 silver, topaz & steel.
HDW 104 x 5 x 78 mm
"I was asked to create an object based on my interpretation of a Catherine Wheel by a Contemporary Jewellery and Art collector. The name of the firework ‘Catherine Wheel’ comes from Saint Catherine, who was allegedly killed by pagans on a wooden wheel. In my research, I discovered that some historians suggest, or believe, that this story is actually a more contemporary retelling of the murder of Ancient Greek mathematician and Philosopher, Hypatia.
In much of my previous work I have explored the hidden histories of forgotten female heroes, creating miniature-monuments in their honour, this led me to dedicate this work to Hypatia. Regardless of the historical details of the story, the wrongful killings of these women speaks to a broader pattern of violence towards powerful women in ancient and recent history. Hypatia lived in Alexandria, whilst under Hellenistic rule, thus, I decided the portrait should be made in bronze; a material associated with this period, and the tears to be silver – as many Greek statues had inlaid silver eyes – which later were stolen because of their material worth".
The Brooch was commissioned in August 2019 and has taken close to a year to complete. The Brooch is now with the joint director of Wartski. There will be two variations on this brooch to be completed by 2022.