Silver Coast Seashells 2

made by Taija Mård

 

 

Now let's go explore the charming treasures of the silvery shores!

Today, the Portuguese sun shines so warmly that it already makes me dream of next época balnear. What better time then to present some of my brand-new beachy bijoux? All of these creations are totally singular, and they belong to the category of Pendants – familiar from the first SCS post. This time, however, I also wish to showcase shells in all their colourful glory! 

 

The cosmopolitan common reed, growing along Costa de Prata, plays with those subtle and refined shades of organic green and beige. And although reeds, as noted above, are common, I find these particular coastal catches very exceptional! Hence the name "Reed Rarities".

My "Aveiro Azulejos" celebrate traditional blue tiles. The shells evocatively reflect this district's hues – the shifting aquamarine of its vast skies and creamy alabaster of its impressive sand dunes.

 

 Japanese golden joinery and repair is behind these "Kintsugi Influence" treasures. Instead of camouflaging imperfections in an object they are enhanced, and when all breakages are tenderly mended, something exceptionally captivating is created! And who wouldn't be enchanted by the technique's philosophical implications?

Honey-coloured "Aten Solar Discs" revere the ancient Egyptian religion of pharaoh Akhenaten and wife Nefertiti, who worshipped the sun as their only god. (His-and-hers below on the left.) The motif so radiates my gratitude for all the daylight I get to enjoy throughout the year here on the west coast!

 

 

The two previous shell worlds above inspired me to recreate their aureate splendour in these truly beachy "Gilded Dunes" pieces.

 

 "Buddha Blooms + Butterflies" all wake up in spring! Due to the marvellously delicate purple shades and ethereal compositions there's some Asian mystery in them. It is very apparent, though, what I want these sweeties to symbolize – transformation, spiritual rebirth, and new life.

 

 

 These "Diamonds 'n' Rust Mementos" rest on an idea of two beautifully contrasting stones that both have their own particular essence. Here seaboard's rugged terracotta rocks meet translucent, droplet-like brilliants. I chose them to remind us of certain voices from the past, one rough and dark, the other clear and crystalline, so that we could hold some dear déjà vus next to our hearts.

And there you stayed / Temporarily lost at sea / The Madonna was yours for free / Yes the girl on the half-shell / Would keep you unharmed  

 

Joan Baez's Diamonds & Rust

  Picked from the shores of the mighty Atlantic, my "Pearly Curly Oysters" are simply a dazzling blaze of iridescent, counterbalanced by the sophisticated shimmer of some classy pearls. 

 

And to round off, here are some "Praia da Barra Bohos" with their muted yet oh so appealing tones. Prevailing in these astounding patterns are umbers and tans, and they are deliciously highlighted by varied sandy whites – familiar from the first SCS post.

 

 Please, click each pic to enlarge and discover the details!