This amazing painting was painted by Dutch Renaissance painter Balthasar van der Ast in the 1600's! You can read all about our monthly challenge here. When I saw this painting I fell in love with that collection of shells. Shells were considered exotic to the growing upper class during the Renaissance, collected from tropical locations from merchants traveling the globe. The Dutch would paint still lives with flowers, insects and other mementos that would not only show off their wealth but had a deeper meaning that all the things of this world are temporary and transient.
I decided this month to create beads for the challenge. One thing I loved about the painting was the play of pattern, color and shapes from one shell to the next and created small collections of headpins inspired by the shells and berries in the painting.
These are one-of-a-kind sets and can be found on my website, here.
Stop by the Art Bead Scene today to see what our other editors were inspired to create!
10 comments:
I love the organic shapes and colours of every single one! :)
Your shells make such delightful and colorful headpins. I was thrilled to see that you included the berries in the painting as well. Since we have a few red currant bushes growing in our yard,seeing them in a painting from so long ago was a time warp for me. Bundling the shells and berries together as you did brings it full circle. Super!!
Fabulous headpins, Heather. I'm sorely tempted!
Very cool! Love these!
It is always exciting to see how others are inspired by the challenge! Wonderful!
Oh, these are totally fabulous. The colors and textures!! I also thought that the shell shapes would lend themselves so well to headpins.... people are going to make some amazing things with these! xo -- Julie
You always put your spin on things in such a delightful way! I love the idea of the headpins. That is something I haven't really tried making but will keep that in the back of my mind for a future challenge. I love the bright but crusty texture. Awesome stuff! I wish that I had had time to photograph my limited edition color palette for the Tide Pool Treasures beads for the Club. I quite like how they are turning out! But I thought we were doing Saturday. oops! Enjoy the day. Erin
Great headpins that reflect the inspiration piece.
These are so wonderful. Love all the shapes, textures and colors!!!
Those are great pieces. You really did a great job. I love them all and could see them making great pairs of earrings!
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