Profile view of Cerulean Odyssey, 30 x 15 x 15cm, sterling silver, topaz, Australian blue sapphires, blue sapphires, white sapphires, gold vermeil, patina, 2015
Cerulean Odyssey
Cerulean Odyssey was created to illustrate hope and victory over the devastating effects of motor neurone disease (MND). This sterling silver object is inspired by the blue cornflower, or Centaurea cyanus, an Australian wild-flower, which despite its fragile appearance is able to withstand all elements of nature. The flower, with its star-like blossoms of brilliant blue, is one of our most striking wild-flowers. As with the flower, people with MND show courage and strength of character, dealing with the devastating changes that occur to their neurons and muscles in their bodies. I created this impression of the cornflower with points of light in the flower’s head incorporating a combination of topaz and blue and white sapphires. Australian blue sapphires highlight the center of the primary flower and the bud yet to bloom. The root system, set with white sapphires, was inspired by the microstructure of neurons.
Currently, an estimated 1,900 people in Australia have been diagnosed with this progressive and terminal neurological disease with two people dying each day.
Materials for this piece were generously funded by Thermofisher Scientific. The completed work has been used to promote awareness of MND and MND research and will be sold to raise money for MND research.
Exhibited at the University of Queensland (UQ), September 7-28, 2015, and at the Brisbane MND Symposium, October 24, 2015.
The central flower of Cerulean Odyssey. An outer halo of topaz surrounds the inner settings of white and blue sapphires with a larger Australian blue sapphire at the center.
Cerulean Odyssey on display behind speakers at the Motor Neurone Disease Symposium 2015 on October 24 at the University of Queensland. This event included international speaker Nancy Frates, mother of ALS Ice Bucket Challenge pioneer Pete Frates, for whom the pin was created. This symposium allowed world leaders in MIND and ALS research to communicate their findings with both Australian scientists, the MND community, and the general public.
Sterling silver pin created in connection with Cerulean Odyssey, with matched Australian blue sapphire.
Cerulean Odyssey was first hand made in wax before being cast in solid sterling silver. The final sterling silver forms were reassembled into a single sculpture and finished using techniques used for jewelry fabrication and stone setting. The images and movie below are from the creation of this piece.
