Owls - First Flight
Artist: DeAnna Puls
Materials: sterling silver, brass, sky blue topaz, African ruby
Dimensions: 20 in. long , pendant: 1.5 in/ x 1.25 in.
Fabric Motif: Owls are an auspicious bird in Japan. One meaning of the Japanese characters of the "fukurou" is luck and the other is protection from hardship.
Haiku: looking down
at us looking up ––
owlets
- Sheila Sondik
About the Work: I chose to be very literal in translating this year's Yukata fabric into jewelry. I wanted to let the design shine and be reflected/repeated when the metalwork and fabric are seen together. The Owl necklace, with moonstone eyes, features the main owl motif of the fabric and was a joy to create. The chain can be worn on its own and the pendant can also be worn as a brooch letting this piece stand out in multiple ways.
The Owlet earrings focus on the face of the owl motif and seem quite abstract out of context of the fabric. They provide a little hint of wisdom and luck on your shoulder, with a bright gleam in their Mali garnet eyes.
The First Flight necklace was where I started with this year's project. Throughout the process of fabrication, I found that I really enjoyed taking the simple, black-and-white motif and bringing it to life with color and texture. To me it feels like a shield or protective charm, carrying the theme of the owl's luck through the collection
DeAnna Puls Bio: DeAnna Puls is a jewelry metalsmith based in Seattle. She took her first lessons from Danaca Design in November of 2020 and has quickly developed into an artist known for pieces showcasing her expanding skillset and meticulous attention to detail. She enjoys finding new ways to capture her vision for stone setting and the jewelry she creates, as well as spending time with her family, friends, cats, and coffee.
This piece is part of the Yukata Inspired 2025, a collaborative exhibition between Okan Arts & Danaca Design featuring jewelry and metalwork alongside Haiku from Haiku Northwest. Learn more and view the entire collection HERE.
