Techniques
Bead embroidery, bead weaving, soutache, shibori, netting, peyote stitch, decorative edging
The story
The Belle Epoque is a time when our civilization has reached its highest peak. There were no World Wars yet, the art was flourishing, the technological, cultural and scientific innovations were improving the quality of life, and everyone was looking into the future with optimism. The most representative artistic movement of that time was Art-Nouveau (Jugendstil). It is a style inspired by natural forms such as the sinuous curves of plants and flowers, with a sense of dynamism and movement. In decorative arts the names of Lalique, Mucha and Gallé will never be forgotten. In the jewelry the nymphs and undines, plants and flowers could be seen very often. This is my tribute to La Belle Epoque. When I made it, I just imagined the dynamism of the bourgeois flaneur on the streets, luxury salons with the discussions on literature and paintings, grand balls, and the 1900 World Exhibition which brought international attention to the Art-Nouveau style. I framed that atmosphere into an Art-Nouveau piece with the nymph, gingko leaves and curved forms to represent the power and magnificence of the art of the Beautiful Era, the art of La Belle Epoque.