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Description: |
The peacock butterfly, is native to Britain and Ireland and
can grow up to 70mm. They are nomadic and live mainly in
woodland areas and countrysides. While beautiful, I chose to
pattern this butterfly due to its spiritual symbolism in
many cultures. Butterflies in general are believed to be the
spirits of those who have come before us and it is thought
that they come to visit us to help us through difficult
times in our lives or when important things are happening
for us.
Butterflies are also a symbol of
transformation. The short life cycle of the butterfly
closely mirrors the process of spiritual transformation and
serves to remind us that life is fleeting. Other meanings of
butterflies include spiritual rebirth, change, hope and
life.
I
wanted to make this piece very simple, elegant, and not
over-embellished. The wings of the butterfly are constructed
using Peyote and Brick stitch, and the body is made with a
modified Indo-Chinese Box Stitch (that will be taught in
class). Its antennas are adorned with gem-quality freshwater
pearls. The lariat rope uses a spiral of the same
Indo-Chinese Box Stitch, representing the fence that divides
the world we live in from ones we dream about—and the
butterfly rests there, bridging both sides. Using precious
metal-plated seed beads, the rope is woven in opposing
spiraling directions, giving it an upward feel. At the end
of each lariat is a lampwork Murano glass bead made from
Effetre glass cane, famous for its color and quality. They
are hand-made using traditions and techniques that have been
passed down over centuries from one Venetian glassworker to
another.
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