Starting with
this exquisite enamelled silver compact case,
I dismantled it and reformed it
into a paean to that most elusive
of pleasures. Given that I am caring for newborn twins,
sleep for me
and my partner is now fleeting and coveted.
What formed inside the
case seems to me to be something of a compass
or other navigational aid for oneirocritica, or
sleep study.
The piece hangs from a single enamelled chain, promoting
the "you
are getting verrry sleepy" motion of a hypnotist's pocket
watch.
When worn, a bronze wheel hangs down the back of
the neck. The cord is
rather short (see measurements), permitting the compact to dangle
down to
a comfortable spot on the wearer.
INVOCATION TO SLEEP was featured in Metalsmith Magazine's
'Exhibition In Print 2007' and appears in the subsequent traveling
exhibitions that display pieces from this issue.
Neckpiece:
INVOCATION TO SLEEP.
2006
Pendant (closed):
2 5/8 x 2.1/4 x 1" (6.5 x 5.5 x 2.8cm)
Pendant (open): 5
x 2 1/4 x 7/8" (12.5 x 5.5 x 2cm)
Cord length: 16.5" (42cm)
Length of center hanging elements, to bottom of closed pendant:
9" (23cm)
Enamelled sterling silver ladies' compact case, Georgian drawer-pull rosette, lenses, nickel silver fork, musket ball, silver and mother-of-pearl cuff-link, 18th-century watch-winding key, steel, mahogany, optometrists' test lens, drafting tool screw, czech crystal, 17th- and 19th-century papers, 18th-century pocket watch balance cock, brass, screws, New Zealand paua shell, rubber, sterling silver, 18th-century bronze pastry cutter wheel, steel-point engravings, soil.
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