My experience in being awe struck by the humble wooden beads given to kindergarteners has expanded to relishing the beauty of precious stones, gems, silver and gold. I am also engaged in making jewelry because it lets me step back into the carefree world of a kindergartener.
Writer Aldous Huxley has commented that we cherish beautiful stones because they represent something that will live after us. This awe was expressed in various texts centuries ago in Biblical times to describe the throne of God.
I use a variety of pendants and beads from countries that carry unique symbols that refer to myths, legends, and folklore that have offered material for several dissertations! The peacock is one of the most common images in the Tibetan pendants. According to one Buddhist belief, the peacock can eat poisonous fruits and plants that are toxic to humans. ‘Peacocks represent the Buddha dharma, the teachings lead to understanding. The dharma can take anger, the poison of life, and transform it into something beautiful - compassion and understanding.’
Tibetan images of horses, elephants, deer, monkeys, and other animals have equally fascinating backgrounds, reminiscent of stories in the medieval Christian bestiary. These images invite us to explore our neighbors’ various cultural beliefs and enjoy their unique, beautiful expressions of who they are.
The handmade beads of silver, brass, stones, and glass, as well as seed pods from Africa, India, Poland, Thailand, Southeast Asia, the Czech Republic, and the U.S. included in my jewelry are remarkable. They dazzle us with their beauty and make us aware of the gifts from our neighbors here and worldwide. While we may never meet these gifted artists who supplied the materials for my jewelry, we can marvel and celebrate their legacy.
– Marijim Thoene
