"Memento Mori" Brooch / 2021
I've researched into the field of Thanatology, the scientific study of death and the losses brought about as a result. I chose to focus on the 4 stages of death and in particular the last stage: Livor mortis - It is the settling of the blood in the lower portion of the body postmortem, causing a purplish red discoloration of the skin. When the heart stops functioning and is no longer agitating the blood, heavy red blood cells sink through the serum by the action of gravity. In my brooch, I've tried to convey the look and feel of this stage.
I took inspiration from Victorian mourning jewelry. Motifs like skulls and bones served as defining tangible reminders of death, hence the base shape of my interpretation of a human skull and the use of the idiom "Memento Mori" engraved on the back of my design. Alongside choosing to use Tahitian pearls as an homage to the classic Victorian mourning jewelry but with my own personal twist.
Materials: Brass, Spring steel, Tahitian pearls, PVC, Corn syrup, Food coloring, Cold enamel.
Photography by: Shahar Tal - tinyurl.com/2pvav24m
