I H

RELIGIOUS EYE-CONS

During a trip to Guadalajara, Mexico, Ian became fasciated with the city’s stunning Neo-Gothic churches.

Compared to the often bland and soporific atmosphere in North American churches, Mexican places of worship are an assault on the senses. Every surface glimmers with intricate gold carvings, Christ figures drip with hyperrealistic blood and gore, bizarre and esoteric iconography abounds.

‘The Eye of Providence’ is a prevalent motif (regarded as a sign of God’s ‘compassionate’ watchfulness over humanity). This symbol always represents the masculine, with it’s point facing up. This should come as no surprise: God is still openly portrayed as a man with a white beard in this devoutly patriarchal part of the world.

Ian wanted to flip the script on such machismo and make a feminist statement: women have equally vital presence, power and vision. He made these bold jewelry pieces to be worn as assertive amulets.

First, an original work was hand-sculpted in wax and a silicone mold made.

The inside of the mold is dusted with mica before being clamped together. A catalyzed liquid urethane is then poured in. As the material hardens, the metallic powder is permanently encapsulated in its surface.

The final pieces are durable, strong, yet light enough to be worn as an earring.

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