Posted by: taniacavenecia
on Dec 12, 2010
My favorite materials to work with right now are Tagua nuts and Acai seeds. There are so many reasons why I'm drawn to these materials. I love that they are natural elements, each one with it's own organic shape, size and markings. The fact that they are eco-friendly materials is all the more reason to make use of this wonderful resource. These seeds and nuts come from the Amazon rain forest of South America, I brought my supply back with me on my last trip to Peru. In a previous post I went into how they are harvested and why they are eco-friendly but in this post I want to explain the design process behind a articular necklace from my Acai & Tagua Collection. The entire collection was designed with the idea of showing the beauty and elegance of these materials. The combination of the shiny and modern look of Sterling silver with the natural and organic qualities of the seeds is what makes the style timeless.
The necklace design pictured here started with the color palette. Warm shades of brown, from a reddish honey brown to a dark chocolate and the cotton cord is a perfect in between neutral shade. A cluster of four, one larger Tagua nut and three smaller Acai seeds, each one attached to a sterling silver ring by a knotted cotton cord with sterling silver at the end. The smallest seed is simply attached by sterling silver making it more like a charm. The cotton cord has a special wax coating giving it durability and a nice sheen. The entire necklace is finished off with sterling silver hardware. With it's simplicity and modern elegance this necklace is perfect for everyday and a nice conversation starter, when I wear mine I'm always getting asked whats it made of.
http://TaniaCaveneciaTorres.com
Posted by: taniacavenecia
on Oct 29, 2010
Lark Calderon-Gomez is a native California artist. Raised in Southern California and now residing here in the San Francisco Bay Area where she has studied oil painting under painter Phyllis Shafer. I first heard of Lark when I came across one of her oil paintings from her series "Julia's Journey" , pictured above. The modern, romantic and latin feel of the work caught my attention but it was the eyes that conveyed that there was a story to tell behind these paintings and indeed there was. The entire series of paintings is inspired by Lark's grandmother Julia, her travels and struggles in leaving her home in Guatemala for a new life.
Each work of art is like another chapter that draws inspiration from her grandmother's life. A young brave woman in Guatemala in the 1940s who makes the decision to leave her country in hopes of something better and embarks on the difficult journey to the United States where discovers a whole new world. Lark weaves a wonderful story and each of her paintings are like little gems making you want to see more.
Posted by: taniacavenecia
on Oct 04, 2010
My Peruvian heritage is a great source of inspiration for me. The colors of Peru are so vibrant and there is such vast contrast in the land. There is the Amazon Rain Forest, the coastal beaches, the arid land and the mountains. Each area of Peru has a distinct type of native dress and artistry. I've traveled all over the country and am constantly amazed at the beauty and creativity that abounds. Craftsmanship and artistry has always been a way of life in Peru. Archeologist continually unearth remarkable displays of textiles, pottery and metallurgy. This rich past has a great influence on today's artisans and there is a growing pride in embracing this heritage. I hope to share this with you through my designs and through many cherished pictures of my travels through out Peru. Enjoy!
~ the photo of the hats was taken at the little rustic lodge we stayed at in Chucuito, Puno near Lake Titicaca in Peru.
http://TaniaCaveneciaTorres.blogspot.com
