When Danielle started developing her signature series “Soundpieces” in 1999 she realized she was witnessing a change. The analog era was ending and our society was quickly advancing into the digital age. Analog mediums were discarded and discounted in wake of new digital technology.
Choosing music as inspiration and jewellery as a means of recording history and expressing identity she developed a series observing this change and making social commentary about its affect on society.
The first pieces in the series were “45 Necklace” shortly followed by “Tape Reel Earrings”. These pieces spoke to the faded technology of two consecutive generations. At a time when digital was better analog mediums were being discarded without much thought of their historical, cultural or societal worth. In contrast fine jewellery is not something that is easily discarded, it often stays in the family being passed on from generation to generation.
While records and tapes were being cast aside for mp3‘s the memories created by these mediums were not as quick to fade. The simple mention of the mix tape or glimpse of the 45 adaptor will send certain generations into reminiscence.
Danielle envisioned these symbols of culture as identifiers and community builders. When recognized by a viewer the wearer and the admirer would bond sharing a similar passion or memory in relation to the object. Reconstructing these items into fine jewellery transforms them from disposable objects into cultural artifacts anchoring their rightful place in history. Their value will not be forgotten and will continue to arouse interest, trigger a memory or become a learning experience for a younger generation.
As the series progressed so did the way music was written, recorded and listened to. Danielle began exploring the symbols of the digital era and examining how they were able to cross cultural boundaries to create a new visual language. Computer programs allowed us to see music and the motif of the sound wave became part of the collection.
The idea of customization was natural. Sound waves, being self identifying, allow you to record your own personal history and express your unique visual language. It creates an opportunity to solidify a part of your story in history using your personal visual language. Custom Soundwave Jewellery allows you to capture your personal moment in time and pass this moment on through generations.
Recordings can disintegrate, photos will fade and technology is lost but the tradition of jewellery remains the same.
It all came full circle.
History. Community. Identity.
Record. Create. Express
