Monday, June 15, 2009

Portfolio
Lauren Melinda Makhlouf

Preen Fall 2009 Fashion Drawing
2009
Pitt Artist Pens
Prismacolor Colored Pencils
Prismacolor Markers
Graphite Pencil
Black India Ink
Black Micron Pen
Stained Glass Fish Mirror
2004
Stained Glass
Glue
Lauren Melinda Blue Opal Cubed Earrings
2009
14 Karat Gold-Filled Wire
14 Karat Gold-Filled Chain
14 Karat Gold-Filled Hammered Connector
14 Karat Gold-Filled Links
14 Karat Gold-Filled Ear Wire
14 Karat Gold Dipped Vermeil Beads
AAA Blue Opal Cubed Beads
Faces Series
2007
Graphite Pencil
Gouache
Resort Wear Fashion Drawing
2009
Pitt Artist's Pens
Prismacolor Colored Pencils
Prismacolor Markers
Graphite Pencil
Black India Ink
Micron Pen
Watercolor
Gold Metallic Paint
Pen
Lauren Melinda Charm Necklaces
2009
14 Karat Gold-Filled Wire
14 Karat Gold-Filled Chain
14 Karat Gold-Filled Links
14 Karat Gold-Filled Toggle Clasps
14 Karat Gold Dipped Pine Cones, Leaves, Hamsa Hands & Turkish Ottoman Coins
Swarovski Crystal Seed Pearls
AAA Amazonite Rectangular Beads
AAA Yellow Citrine Circular Beads
Close-Up Deer Face
2002
Graphite Pencil
Colored Pencil
Gouache
Marker
Oil Pastels
Fur Coat Fashion Drawing
2009
Pitt Artist's Pens
Prismacolor Colored Pencils
Prismacolor Markers
Graphite Pencil
Micron Pen
Watercolor
Oil Pastels
Drawing Ink

Lauren Melinda Smoky Quartz Bead Wrap Earrings
2009
14 Karat Gold-Filled Wire
14 Karat Gold-Filled Links
14 Karat Gold-Filled, Tiny, Round Wrapping Beads
14 Karat Gold-Filled Earwire
AAA Smoky Quartz Nuggets
PPQ Fall 2009 Fashion Drawing
2009
Pitt Artist's Pens
Prismacolor Colored Pencils
Prismacolor Markers
Graphite Pencil
Drawing Ink
Black India Ink
Micron Pen
Watercolor
Gouache

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Parson's Challenge Assignment
Lauren Melinda Makhlouf

My thoughts, my feelings, my words, my inspiration are all encapsulated into a true creation from my heart. Creations that combine luxurious simplicity with innovation bring an element of handcrafted beauty into everyday life. An inspiration is birthed through the many colors of the world, the raw beauty or lustrous quality of a stone and the rich textures of the elements. The ongoing life of a piece, a renewed existence that lives on through all who adorn it, is a divine influence exerted upon my soul. An invention begins through stimulation of my emotions or intellect, much like the floral beauty of a plant begins its inception through a mere seedling that progressively matures. The imperfect beauty found in nature contributes to the organic aesthetic found within each uniquely handcrafted, artistic creation.

A plant develops naturally over time, eventually being cultivated for its blossoms. Similarly, the natural evolution of a creation gradually progresses into a modern, delicate, one-of-a-kind production. A hammered piece of textured metal marries together with a thin piece of wrapped wire and the blues of the ocean to create a piece of intricate art that is modern and minimal, yet effortlessly chic. An immature seed begins lifeless. An imaginative thought thrives into a tangible accomplishment. The raw materials guide my thoughts, my emotions. Imagination soon becomes a reality as my hands transform raw materials into a vision realized. The unadorned plant now has added buds of renewal, just as the jewelry progresses towards a final concept. The end is in sight. The result...a meticulously crafted piece of wearable art, a beautiful creation, the start of a flower.

A flower decomposes, once again becoming one with the earth. Each piece of jewelry begins as a thought, always starting out with me, however, never ending with me. It assumes the attitiude of another. Satisfaction is provided in the formation of both, whether a fully bloomed flower or a finished design. Attention to detail results in meticulous workmanship. Elegant designs make bold statements. Timeless, sleek, incredibly wearable designs combine material richness with modern minimalism. A piece of jewelry warms the soul, a flower ignites the senses. Both say more than a thousand tiny words, whether thought or spoken. From concept to conception, an artistic expression grows and blooms into a hand-sculpted work of shared art. Out of a seed blooms a flower, out of a hobby a full-fledged business.