Fish and Poppies - Fishy Brooch
Artist: Jeanie Pratt
Materials: Fine and Argentium silver, 18k, 24k foil, lapis, enamel
Dimensions: 2.5" x 3"
Fabric Motif: This lively pattern combines a tropical fish and luscious poppies. Fish in Japan symbolize courage and resilience while poppies symbolize the fleeting nature of life.
Haiku: floating world —
more than poppies and tiny fish
in how she ties her robe
- Leslie Umans
About the Work: I enjoy incorporating textile techniques in metal into my work. Fish are fascinating and I enjoyed interpreting this Yukata fabric with tropical fish. I recently retired as a scuba diver. The body and tail are woven with flattened fine silver wire that has been textured. The woven silver sheet has been enameled using stencils and silkscreening. Gold foil dots are added as accents to the pattern. The base is Argentium silver. The eye is a rose cut lapis set in an 18k gold bezel.
Jeanie Pratt Bio: I delight in the magical surrealism of reality in nature. My designs are informed by studies of entomology, and life sciences, as well as experiences while living in the tropics and the desert. I savor researching and revisiting the realm of anomalous plants and animals. With this comes the humble reminder that we are just one species in a multitude of interdependent creatures. We are defined as human beings by our need to create personal adornment and art. I feel a connection to a continuum of artisans. As a fiber artist now working with metal; I find that after 40 plus years, I am still striving to turn straw into gold. The textile patterns and textures fixed into the metal evoke memories of the traditional textiles and basketry encountered while living abroad. Translating fiber techniques into silver, gold and other metals continues to fascinate me. With a weaver’s eye for color, I explore the processes of applying patinas and enamels in my work.
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.
