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Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Blessed with Cracks

Aren't we all, though? 

Conventional wisdom has taught us that cracks, imperfections, and vulnerabilities are bad. A sign of sub-par quality. Something to be avoided. 

Well, turn that thinking on its ear. Cracks are an opportunity to be flexible, to expand, to grow. They can also allow us a way to get rid of baggage that we don't need. If we are strong, inflexible, unwavering, and impermeable, then we miss out on so many opportunities. Cracks are a sign that we've been through hell and are here to tell the tale. 

Leonard Cohen, one of my favorite artists and poets, said it so well in "Anthem":


"The birds they sang
at the break of day
Start again
I heard them say
Don't dwell on what
has passed away
or what is yet to be.

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in."


 
Today's earrings feature a deliciously crackled and distressed pair of etched "agate eye" beads from Tibet. I burnished them with wax so they have that warm, soft, well-worn-through-generations-of-hands look. As I've been doing lately, I kept it simple, pairing them with faceted milky white ceramic beads from the ever talented Simona of Happy Fallout. Dots of blackened silver solder complete the crunchy industrial tribal vibe that you know I love. My own hand forged copper ear wires and pitted fat headpins complete the look. 

Proudly showcase your cracks, ladies and gentlemen! They are a sign of strength and openness--not imperfection. 

Happy Wednesday, 
Nikki
LoveRoot on Etsy

7 comments:

  1. Nikki, I love your post. The poem of Leonard Cohen is beautiful and says it all. We all have to cherish cracks. Your earrings are beautiful as always. And thank you for introducing this artist, a new one for me. Ohhh my bank manager is going to be so happy with me..NOT LOL

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  2. Beautiful earrings Nikke!! And I love love Leonard Cohen, and especially that song. Thanks for giving our cracks and imperfections such a worthy context!!

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    1. Beautiful earrings Nikki!! please forgive my typing error!!

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    2. Beautiful earrings Nikki!! please forgive my typing error!!

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  3. Nikki, have you ever discussed or shown your "blackened silver solder" process? I think it's really neat and I'd like to try it sometime.

    Also, love Leonard Cohen!

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  4. It requires much more creativity to make something wonderful while at the same time keeping it simple. It is not an easy thing to do, and you do it beautifully! I do love these!

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  5. Simply sublime. That is the theme of the art gallery exhibit that I have going on right now, "Beauty in the Broken Places." These would be right at home in that space! I love the narrative you have woven as much as the components and the earrings themselves! Enjoy the day! Erin

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