Designing the jewellery with the couple
The couple will play an important role in the design of their rings. We are interested in how the working relationship between designers and couples sheds light on scientific processes. As we attempt to work-up their ideas, we will explore what is possible, and are likely to come up against a range of problems.
While we expect to be able to solve some things, there are likely to be compromises elsewhere, and sometimes we will need to go down entirely different routes. The main thing is that the technology and science will take place within a practical and personal context. This will hopefully make it relevant and exciting.
In the early stages of the project a model was made to help communicate the aims, some pictures are shown below.
The porous, bioacive ceramic scaffold on which tissue growth takes place, a model of the ring using a combination of cow marrow-bone and etched silver, and a sample of cow marrow to illustrate the final bone sample.
A model of the ring using a combination of cow marrow-bone and etched silver. The inscription reads Ab Intra, "from within".
Hi-res versions can be downloaded here; ring and ring with bioglass.
ii) A short history of jewellery design
The images below show a selection of previous work by Nikki Stott, followed by some preparatory sketches in the earliest stages of the project.
The jewellery shown here was designed for other projects, which ran around the same time as Biojewellery. The work clearly shows how Nikki's work takes references from cell imaging, and is inspired by the materials and forms of medical instruments.
We are still unsure as to how the bone tissue will grow, but hope to incorporate the end form into the jewellery in sophisticated, and complementary ways.
To begin with we are working with the couples to develop their ideas and transform initial concepts into models. The second stage will be to refine these models as we work up the final rings using couples bone tissue.
The images below are concept sketches sent in by Trish and Lyns. There is a bold use of iconoqraphy, and some strong ideas about personal inscriptions. The rings are based on complex interlocking forms, which take references from folk history and even DNA structures.
More images will be added as we recieve them.
