Flowers of Redon brass necklace

Art Challenge four is based on the dreamy paintings of Odilon Redon. When I read the artist’s name it struck me that I had once before attempted to create two pieces based on his work in 2017. They were the palm leaf necklace and Freida Kahlo earrings. The earrings promptly sold off and the necklace still remains unfinished. This time around, I planned to make just one piece – the Flowers of Redon brass necklace which took its own sweet time as well.

Bouquet of Flowers

The Bouquet of Flowers painting by Redon, like many other still life works of his is made using pastels. It contains an arrangement of flowers on a blue vase. This vase was gifted by Ceramicist Marie Botkin and it is one that he repeatedly used in many paintings. Estimated to have been made between 1900-1905, the painting is a vibrant piece that is childlike and dreamy. You can find dream interpretations of this painting by Ms. Erin Prais-Hintz here.

Flowers of Redon brass necklace

The first thing that struck me when I looked at the Bouquet of Flowers painting, is the plethora of flowers in it. Also, the blue of the vase is quite striking. In the process of bringing about a similar feel, I created a textured brass flower pendant and chose blue beads to go with it. To create the same sense of repetition as in the painting, I used floral ribbon to make beads and used a flower clasp. The shining gold colour (of the brass) is an ode to the other painting of Redon, of Madame Arthur Fontaine. I don’t know if you can tell from the picture, but the pendant is 3D with a little dome at the back.

So here it is, my Flowers of Redon brass necklace inspired. This pendant was my first attempt at polishing with a buffing wheel and rouge. But in the process, it became a dirty. I don’t know what my error was. Please do tell me how I could have avoided it, if you do know in the comments. I would be much obliged. For this reveal though, I cleaned it once again and polished it using my trusty Shine rite polishing pads. It is one of the few products that I use, love and recommend. It works on real gold too, you know.

By the way, I am having a big summer sale (India shipping only). Do check out the entire set on Facebook page for now. I’ll post them on Instagram too soon.

I hope you found it interesting
Cheers