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Alternative Materials Category
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Andante
Artist: Cyndi Lavin (Ayer, MA)
Honorable Mention, Alternative Materials
“When my husband began restoring an old player piano, I became interested in all of the hundreds of pieces that needed to be cleaned, repaired and replaced. The old ivory keys especially caught my attention, particularly when I thought about the elephants that were destroyed to create these beautiful objects. Why is it that so often beauty and destruction, delight and tragedy are so closely intertwined? The only ivory that it is currently legal to use in the United States is old recycled ivory or ancient fossilized ivory. The keys dangling from 'Andante' are authentic – antique ivory that has been reclaimed and recycled from pianos that were otherwise destined for the junk heap. I chose the name 'Andante,' a musical term, to signify the stately (and perhaps melancholy?) pace of the elephants that became part of the heritage of the piano. The main strand of the necklace is strung white coral, carnelian, and agate, all of which have an earthy glow that complements the patina of the ivory. The central portion is wired links of horn, another organic material that blends nicely into the color palette. I drilled the keys, and then attached to the horn links by means of sterling silver wire, using only hand tools. A selection of stone beads and Bali sterling silver beads that are wired to the ivory keys create continuity with the rest of the necklace.” – Cyndi Lavin
Review the 2007 contest details to see what this contestant was up against. And remember, it’s never too early to start planning for the 2008 contest!
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