TRIBUTE TO KNOSSOS REDUX
This piece evolved into its current incarnation as part of my Mediterranean Mythicals series. It is comprised of an enameled spun copper vessel (enameled by Umut Demirgüç Thurman), a belt buckle lid, and an insert made of Thurmanite and a painted miniature, sculpted by Tre Manor for Reaper Miniatures. The first version of this piece was a Finalist in the 2016 World Championship Belt Buckle Competition. It was also a pivotal piece for me because it was the first combination of a vessel and wearable, which evolved into my larger Suite Series. As a collaboration with my wife, it’s an excellent example of how working collaboratively can infuse your own individual creative practice with new and inspiring approaches.
The piece was inspired by motifs and myths related to the ancient city of Knossos, center of the Minoan civilization, and connected to the story of Theseus and the Minotaur. The sawn appliqué on the back of the belt buckle lid is taken from ancient representations of the Minotaur’s maze. The Thurmanite base under the minotaur miniature is made from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, which is an early record of that myth.