This brooch was made as an entry to a competition on the theme of identity.

Reflecting on the vast subject of identity I considered the different aspects or layers that make up my own: Born and grown up in East Germany, which then united to become Germany, moving to England & becoming eventually British too. Whilst my identity is reflected in different languages, nationalities, it is also distinctly European but also includes personal aspects, such as being a mother, sister, wife etc.

I chose to make this brooch in the form of a blossom or flower, each petal being made from tracing paper - fragile, translucent, allowing the writing on the petals beneath to be partially visible, influencing each other.

The piece is made from a blackened Argentium silver frame and tracing paper petals which are sewn with red silk thread onto the frame. This allows the petals to slightly move. There is a secure & strong double pin mechanism on the back . The pin is made from stainless steel.

Materials: Frame - Argentium silver; Petals - tracing paper, silk thread, stainless steel (pin)

Size: ~ Ø 50 mm; ©HBM104, 2019