Both of the above pieces are brooches with a similar basic oval shape, which has then been shaped to an uneven six sided shape. Each of the brooches are quite different to each other, fig A being comprised of mixed materials including silver, gold, Perspex and the added addition of a photo making the appearance of depth without adding texture to the surface.
The other brooch, fig B is a very similar shape, but differing in the way it’s constructed. The brooch is made of two colored metals, a white metal being on the top later, and a reflective yellow metal on the underside or inside of the brooch. This brooch has a small ball of yellow metal in the centre of its design, and this brought together with the way the triangular shape “sails” come from the outside of the pendant to the centre draws your eye into the piece. These shapes are defined by the contrast in the color of the metals. The central point of this brooch appears to be self supporting, which accentuates the hollow construction, and depth of the piece.
The same idea has been applied through the image/photo on fig A by using a bold black line, drawing the eye from the edge to the centre of the design. It’s easy to miss the design on the front, an image on one half, mirrored by turning the image 180⁰ create a subtle design, in this case an image of a Tuscan style tower and roof, the color of the tiles being accentuated in the background. The underside layer of fig B has a smooth, slightly domed appearance which creates strong areas of shade and shadow, and reflecting light from the back. The practicality of this shape being made as a brooch is judged on whether this brooch would be worn classically upon the chest attached to clothing, or as an addition to an accessory, i.e.; a hat. There is a simple elegance to this piece, by not making the piece over complicated, or using too many materials.
The back of fig A has an intense design comprising of shapes including patterns shapes, foliage and the pin allowing for the brooch to be worn, which seems to contrast with the very modern and architectural image of the front. Certain shapes of leaves are highlighted using a yellow metal highlighting them against the darker blackened silver. The same is to be said with the pin itself.
Each of these brooches, appears to have a set client in mind, fig A having a slightly more masculine feel because of the dark colors and complicated back, and the other fig B a more feminine feel because of the gentle curves and simple colors, which would only be accentuated when worn on the body.
