STATE│meant 2020  Significant and Powerful Jewelry

Dear friends,

I am inspired. We offered jewelry artists an opportunity to speak out on challenging subjects to raise money for organizations significant to them. And speak out they did. The subjects range from immunization and global climate change to human rights and the post office. The thoughtfulness and diversity of the work demonstrates a complex range of concerns with a common thread: a sincere concern for the wellbeing of our planet and most especially those living on it.

STATE│meant is a show of Significant and Powerful Jewelry. The statements come in the form of necklaces, brooches, bracelets…there is even a tiara. Shown above is a powerful set titled, “To Wear the Ring, You Must Choose Another to Wear the Brooch” by artist Deborah Boskin.

Our jurors, moved by the eloquence of the submitting artists, selected work for both its strength in messaging through design and the clarity of their written statements.

This is a FUNDRAISER. A minimum of 50% of proceeds from each sale will be donated to the organization of the artist's choosing and there are many! Help us help them by spreading the word. Share this post and tune in to @danacadesignstudio on Instagram for multiple postings daily and to vote, beginning Monday, October 19, for best in show.  We will announce the winner on November 4, 2020!

I made two pieces for this show. Show here is “Lacey Dissent Collar”.  Made in memory of Ruth Bader Ginsberg and in support of Planned Parenthood and in turn, ALL women across the United States. Made from heavy gauge sterling silver, the necklace is roll-printed with antique lace generously donated to the project by a good friend; it was his grandmother's. The design boldly displays the symbol for woman. It is both overtly feminine and fierce.

I grew up during a golden age in a place with a conscience and a mother who, through necessity knew her own strength. From a young age, I understood I could become whatever I wanted. There were no limits or expectations, EXCEPT I had to go to college. From experience, my mom knew the value of an education, so “I would never need to be dependent on a man”. As a child I didn’t fully understand that girls of my mother’s generation experienced a very different upbringing. That, in fact, my experience was a small slice in time and geography. I took it for granted.

Our right to vote and choose our own future was fought for by our mothers and people like my friend’s grandmother.  It is our responsibility to ensure the generations who follow are guaranteed at the very minimum the same.

Thank you to our esteemed jurors, Keith Lewis and Nancy Megan Corwin.

VIEW THE BENEFICIARIES AND EXHIBITION HERE.

Thanks you too all the participating artists and to all of you out there supporting us and the things we care about.

Dana