Jenepher Walker – Australia

Chelela

Description

I was inspired by the stacks of stones I saw whilst travelling in Bhutan to create my headpiece. Each stone is placed so carefully that the stack becomes a static object due to the perfect balance. There are many reasons that Buddhists create these stacks of stones one being that it teaches balance and concentration another is that they are small stupas and it is considered something of merit.

The copper wire represents the patterns found on the river rocks and the beading represents mosses and lichens that have grown on the stack as they have remained static for a long time. The small felt ball that sits on the forehead represents a rock that has fallen from the stack as time has passed. The larger felt ball that is positioned at the back of the head is a representation of a rock that is yet to become a part of a new stack of stones.

As a society we often neglect to think about the use of resources and the effect our consumption has on the environment. The theme of “Equillibrium” also influenced my selection of materials based on this. I reclaimed the felt balls from an opshop purchased Christmas wreath and the copper wire was given to me by a friend who was going to discard it. I try to balance my use of new materials with those that would otherwise would end up in landfill as this is currently placing great strain on the delicate balance or equilibrium of the environment.

Thus, I have entwined the theme two ways into my headpiece “Chelela”

Materials

• Reclaimed wool felt balls from an opshop purchased Christmas wreath
• Discarded copper wire – gifted from a friend who was going to throw it out
• Glass beads – a combination of new and used beads was selected
• Fencing wire – stock on hand
• Fireline fishing line – used to attach wire and beads

Techniques

• Hand dyeing – reclaimed wool felt balls were hand dyed with acid dyes in a variegated pattern
• Wire manipulation and wrapping – copper wire was shaped by hand and attached to the balls with hand stitching.
• Headband was hand wrapped with the wire
• Beading – a selection of beads was handstitched onto each felt ball in a random pattern
• Assemblage – all supporting wires were attached to a headband and overwrapped with copper wire to unify the piece