Close Affinity

Christine Harmer is a designer maker, working in kiln-fired enamels largely using a copper base. Most of her work is comprised of jewellery but recently she has moved into making larger mixed media pieces.

“I have interpreted #CreativeConnections as the means by which we are all interlinked by our creativity. To present this in a visual form, I chose some of the materials used in the crafts I practice, and a shape, the circle. All the circular elements of the project overlap and/or intersect with others creating new shapes. These reflect the way in which we are changed and influenced by our involvement with others. Each circle will have a number of possible ways of connecting some visible, some hidden symbolising the different ways in which we are all interconnected. The final form of the piece ‘Close Affinity’ will give further emphasis to our #CreativeConnections.”

Christine Harmer

'Close Affinity’ is now complete. It is comprised of colourful and textured circles made in various styles, sizes and craft forms. Some of the parts are made of copper with kiln-fired enamel, others are covered in hand-painted silk, some in aluminium (imprinted with a pattern), and even one in hammered pewter - the variety of circles and materials mirror the way we all have both similarities and differences.

The overall form of the artwork is similar to the symbol for infinity with a space for a final circle to suggest that further connections between us are always possible. ‘Close Affinity’ is not flat, but three-dimensional, the shape rises and falls as it twists and turns in an organic way.

Now the artwork is revealed, and if you feel particularly ambitious, circles in the following sizes: 60mm, 80mm, 100mm and a few smaller ones from 40mm down, can be made in the crafts you enjoy. They can then be assembled (with your own unique connections) as your re-creation of ‘Close Affinity’. Take a photo and send it to Christine Harmer for online display.

www.enamelledjewellery.co.uk