i should mention that i am participating in c4ward March Blogathon created by c4 Atlanta. i find it quite difficult to talk about my own work and to promote myself. i think the humility that was droned into me during all those years of catholic schooling has had a lasting effect! seriously though, my hope is that through rising to the challenge of blogging daily for 15 days (14 for me as i missed the first day!) will help me find my voice and overcome this hurdle.

today's topic is favorites, specifically a favorite work. i found this quite interesting as i initially jumped to one piece where i mastered a new technique, then another that i thought was technically the most precise piece, and then another that i thought was the most beautifully done. where i have ended up is with this piece which really does not embody any of those things.

this piece means a lot to me, for a many reasons. first, this was the first real piece i made using metal clay, which was a new medium to me at the time. i was still figuring out how to use the material and it shows. it is also a replication/interpretation of an amulet that i found at a flea market while traveling with great friends in singapore so it reminds me of a wonderful trip. it is also important because i quite often bring home trinkets from my travels and this was the first time i felt like i truly made use of one of them. another reason is that it symbolizes a break from my perfectionist tendencies which has caused many a ruined piece. it is rough and for once, i allowed it to be what it is and didn't try to overwork the piece to be perfect. i love how organic it feels and how it unsettles me a little because it is! now my personal challenge is to embrace this feeling, gather all my other travel trinkets, and get busy!