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Wednesday, February 18, 2009

I love this portrait of Effie Ruskin by Thomas Richmond painted in 1851.
(2nd photo)
We know only of Effie from what we read, but can dream of what she might do once the portrait is finished. Maybe she kicks off her shoes, lets down her hair, and flees to the solace of her bohemian garden, wild with flowering weeds and herbs. Repurposed containers such as a silver antique urn left to her by her grandmother, are filled with wild roses and line the stone wall in the back of her family's estate. In her garden, she creates odd pieces of jewelry, using items stolen from family member's private quarters.

Her family may sigh and whisper, "let her be, she's always been a bit odd, don't you agree?"

Though Effie's real story may be somewhat different, this portrait speaks to me and tells me a fairytale to be....

"Effie Ruskin's Bohemian Garden" was made with found vintage objects. The flower is an old drapery tack and the beetle image climbs up the tip of an old silver plate fork.

The 15 1/4" chain was created with sterling wire and peridot glass beads. There is just a touch of the same green in the beetle.

posted by: sweetpeas at February 18, 2009 15:25 | link | comments (5) |
artsy fartsy, jewelry, junque revival news

Comments:

#1 18 February 2009 - 18:42

I love the story you just wove about Effie. I can totally see her wearing this:) Lovely!

Anonymous

#2 18 February 2009 - 19:10

(I love your tags.) This is one beauty! You are so talented. What fun you must have when you are inspired and the cretive energies flow!

Anonymous

#3 19 February 2009 - 00:18

oo, very cool!! i love the beetle!

Anonymous

#4 11 March 2009 - 02:14

Bop on over to my blog and find out what you just got. TADA a Kreativ Blogger award. it has a set of responsibilities do em or not. but your blog is pretty darn cool. so Im passing the crown over to you and suggesting people come by for a visit.suzeesjubileez.blogspot.com

Anonymous

#5 15 March 2009 - 19:58

Such a lovely post and gorgeous photos!

Anonymous

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