Throughout history one of the most common uses for precious stones, metals, jewels and eventually jewelry as we know it, has been to convey information about the owner or wearer. Typically this information was directly related to identification and status. The most obvious examples of this would of course be the jewel encrusted crowns worn by nobility throughout the ages. For instance consider images of the contemporary British monarchy that we are all probably most familiar with to the jewel adorned head dresses of ancient civilizations like Egypt, Sumaria, South America and the Orient.
When we see these items we immediately think of someone of great importance and high standing. However, pretty metal and stone adornments where not limited to the nobility alone. Take for example the lovely coats-of-arms used to represent family heritage in England or the gorgeous kilt pins fashioned by the Scotts. The design of ones kilt pin and the pattern and color of their kilts were traditionally the most obvious means of knowing the lineage and heritage of an individual.
So with that being said please don't kill me but you will need to do some homework for this challenge. Since we are an international group of artists and even those of us here in the states probably exemplify a diverse number of nationalities, I want you to design a 21st century representation of your pedigree. Show us who you are and where you come from using metal and stones. This piece doesn't have to be a piece of jewelry. You can make it a plaque or larger piece of wall or table art if you so choose. Its totally up to you. Do try to be historically accurate and use items in your piece that represent your origins. For example think celtic knots for Irish, Scottish, Welsh ancestories and choose color schemes that have been historically representative of a lineage or family surname (this is where the homework part comes in). Be sure to provide a key with your submission explaining what each item, color, stone, figure etc. represents. So as we begin a new year and most everyone else is working on their New Year's resolutions and trying to decide how to be a new you in the new year let us take the opportunity to discover the old us. Like I said in my post title afterall, "The Best Way to Know Where You Are Going is to Know Where You Are Coming From".
So that is it. I hope you all will have fun with it. Make sure to add your submission photos to the group flickr pool by Midnight EST Jan. 14th with the tag "December AMT Challenge"
You have from now until the middle of Jan. so I hope to see alot of participants. I know this is a very busy time of year with all of the holiday activities but if you chose not to do anything until after Christmas you would still have nearly two weeks to get something completed. So put on those thinking caps boys and girls and get to designing. Good Luck.
