Multi-talented artist Mielle Harvey references nature in her artwork, which spans several distinct mediums. See more of her work by visiting her artist website and the website of her recently launched HEXAPODA collection.
Sphinx Moth – HEXAPODA – Brooch or Pendant – Lost wax, Bronze, 3-1/2″ x 1-1/2″
From my earliest artistic endeavors, the natural world has provided me with an abundant supply of inspiration and fascination.
Wasp Comb – Painting – Oil on Canvas – 12″ x 9″
In whatever medium I find myself working, be it drawing, painting carving or sculpting, the interconnected processes of growth and decay is a theme that especially fascinates me and often forms the underlying basis of my work.
Birch with Fungus – Drawing – Graphite, Charcoal, Colored Pencil – 22″ x 30″
Which medium I choose to work in depends primarily upon the subject and the aspects I want to emphasize. Each medium has its strengths and weaknesses in terms of presentation, which is why a multi-medium approach allows me greater freedom to present the aspects I want to highlight the most appropriate way.
Caterpillar Nest – Sculpture – Carved Maple – 9″ x 5″ x 4″
Jewelry, for example, which for me represents a form of wearable sculpture, provides the opportunity to create and generate an impact in a simple, mobile package that by virtue of being worn publicly, has the potential to reach a wide and varied audience.
Hissing Swan – Jewelry – Pendant, Lost wax, Silver, 2-1/2″ x 1-3/4″
Insects are another theme I return to regularly. In addition to the integral part they play in the process of growth and decay, I use them to challenge the concept of jewelry itself and the perception of beauty in relation to personal adornment.
Solitary Wasp – HEXAPODA – Pendant, Lost wax, Silver, 3/4″ x 3/4″
Most recently, I’ve been working on an ambitious new project that combines Insects and Jewelry, in a collection called HEXAPODA (from the Greek for six legs).
Red Dragonfly – HEXAPODA – Brooch or Pendant, Lost wax, Bronze, 3-1/4″ x 2-1/2″
The aim of the collection is to provide a means to share my work with a wider audience and also to help raise awareness about the importance of insects themselves.
Honey and Bumble Bees – HEXAPODA – Lapel Pin or Pendant, Lost wax, Bronze, 3/4″ x 3/4″ & 1″ x 3/4″”
With Art and Jewelry being two of the most effective forms of communication available, my hope is that HEXAPODA will stimulate more discussion about insects in general and through that, a great awareness of the benefits that many insects provide.
Scarab Beetle – HEXAPODA – Cuff Links, Lost wax, Bronze, 1/2″ x 7/8″ x 1″
As HEXAPODA develops, I also plan to donate a proportion of sales to help sponsor other insect-awareness initiatives from groups and individuals who share a similar goal.
Carpenter Ant – HEXAPODA – Lapel Pin or Pendant, Lost wax, Bronze, 3-1/4″ x 2-1/2″
Mielle Harvey invites you to follow her on Facebook.
wow…i love it! the bee plight is especially important for people to be aware of and the simplest fix is to just plant more flowers…which we all can do!
wonderful work! & enjoy the ‘real’ nature of the insects without the usual ornamentation associated with jewelry.