In making this pendant, I want the cabochon to really shine, so to make that happen, I polished the silver sheet that will be used as the backing. I tested the cabochon on different surfaces and the shine makes a huge difference in the luminescence of the piece. You can see in the photo that the silver sheet with polished is almost like a mirror.
Sometimes I wonder what I'm reflecting to the world and why. Do people see themselves reflected in me or what I'm trying to communicate? When I was in grade school I usually felt misunderstood or misjudged. Over time I learned to send the messages about myself that I thought people wanted to hear. In fact, I emulated a friend of mine who was never bullied as I was, and it actually worked. I wasn't really bullied after that time. Is that what people want? That we just don't attract attention by blending in?
I almost think art is best when it doesn't try to just fit in. "What is quality" is an awesome and nearly unanswerable question (according to Robert M Pirsig in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance). What makes for good art? What makes art truly great? Surely if we simply copy whatever art is closest to us, we won't be considered above average? Much to consider.
What is art? What is great art? Let me know in the comments!
--Pam