The Fusion of Storytelling and Art

I often discuss the above with clients and visitors to the studio. I find it a true luxury as a creative to have the opportunity to research, explore and interpret both personal stories of clients' and the ones that create the foundations for my collections. So both Jacqui and Nicola who work alongside me are well versed in all aspects.

Jacqui just happens to be a master graduate of Art History and so I asked if she would write about the art of storytelling and how it relates to my work and collections. This is Part 1 of her piece. I so enjoyed reading it and so thought you would too.

Alice x

Art has been an integral part of human civilisation since time immemorial, serving as a medium of expression, communication, and self-discovery. Behind every captivating artwork lies the artist's process, a fascinating journey filled with imagination, experimentation, and dedication. In this two-part journal entry, we will explore the intricate and mysterious world of Alice’s process, unraveling the steps and emotions involved in creating a masterpiece.

The artist's process often begins with a spark of inspiration, an idea that captures their imagination and drives them to create. This inspiration can stem from various sources—nature, personal experiences, societal issues, or even fleeting moments of beauty. Artists keenly observe the world around them, seeking inspiration in the mundane and the extraordinary alike. Alice’s love of storytelling lead her to delve into the history of the Brother’s Grimm classic fairytales. Inspired by beauty and the human spirit found in the classic fairytales, Alice looked beyond the physical and tangible, to where beauty resides within the human spirit. The first part will look at the three capsules Grace, Obey and Virtue in the Once Upon a Time Couture collection. In particular we will be discussing the symbolism and moral attributes within the fairytale framework. Characteristics such as, acts of kindness, compassion, and love radiate a profound beauty that transcends appearances. Equally, the resilience, courage, and strength displayed by individuals in the face of adversity often exemplify the true essence of beauty. It is in these moments that we witness the transformative power of the human spirit and its ability to inspire and uplift others. In the second part, we will delve into one of the most widely distributed books that has emerged in the course of German Cultural History, the Brother’s Grimm Kinder und Hausmärchen (Children’s Household Tales) and the origins of the classic fairytale.

Inspired by the fairytales Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Beauty and the Beast, Alice designed the capsules Grace, Obey and Virtue. Art, in all its forms, is a powerful medium for exploring and expressing beauty. Paintings, sculptures, music, literature, and dance enable us to capture and appreciate the essence of beauty beyond what is observable. Through an artist’s practice, we can delve into the depths of human emotions, challenge conventions and convey profound messages. As such, Alice explores the boundaries of creativity while focusing on nature’s inherent beauty which has served as a constant source of inspiration for artist’s poets, and philosophers. From vibrant sunsets to delicate flowers, from majestic mountains to the rhythmic dance of waves, the natural world evokes a sense of wonder and tranquility. Nature's beauty not only nourishes our senses but also reminds us of our connection to the larger universe.

There is an authentic and personal nature to art. Beauty is often perceived as subjective, varying from person to person. What one individual finds beautiful may not resonate with another. This subjectivity suggests that beauty is deeply influenced by personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and individual perspectives. From breathtaking landscapes to diverse human features, the world is an exquisite diamond with many facets of beauty, and it is the observer who bestows significance on it. Alice’s oeuvre leverages the power of narratives and imagination to create designs that are not only aesthetically beautiful but also resonate emotionally with our clients.

In each of the Once Upon a time capsules, Alice showcases the beautifully colourful precious gemstones and the fine craftsmanship of her team by incorporating elements from fairytales into the design process.

The Grace capsule drew inspiration from Cinderella and Alice’s love of nature. The Drops of Happiness earrings in Tsavorite and diamonds reflect both the external  form of the honeysuckle leaf and the symbolic meaning of pure happiness, everlasting love, gratitude and appreciation. Similarly, Virtue is a pinky ring in ruby, sapphire and diamond is a feature ring from the fairytale Beauty and the Beast. The rose is symbolic of the ephemeral nature of love, beauty, fragility, compassion and also caution. Through the research process, Alice discovered Edmund Dulac, an illustrator of the nineteenth century who imagined fantastical birds in the land of the Beast.  Her design included the Lark. Placed on the open side of the pinky ring, where it allows more ‘real-estate’ to play with the design flow around the finger and in this case, the bird’s elegant diamond ringed neck and plumage. The Lark is symbolic of freedom, and courage. Powerful characteristics for a female heroine.

Similarly, Alice was drawn to Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes version of Little red Riding Hood, where Red Riding Hood ‘whips a pistol from her knickers’ and is the heroine of the story. Little Red is a feminine , empowered, and heroic character. The intricate details set in this capsule drew inspiration from Red Riding Hood’s cape, bow and Flintlock pistol set under the cape with a frill of Diamond Chantilly lace. First written down in the seventeenth century the French version had  Red Riding Hood do a strip tease for the wolf, hence the Diamond and Ruby Hoops named ‘Lacey red Racey’.

Fairytales often feature transformational journeys for their characters. Design, too, is about transformation. Physical beauty has long held a prominent place in society’s collective consciousness. Advertisements, media and popular culture often perpetuate narrow standards of attractiveness, which can lead to unrealistic expectations and a sense of inadequacy. However, it is crucial to recognise that true beauty lies beyond the surface. Inner qualities, such as kindness, empathy and intelligence, contribute significantly to a person’s overall beauty.

Incorporating elements from fairytales into the design process adds layers of depth, creativity, and storytelling to the final product. It's about leveraging the power of narratives and imagination to create designs that are not only stunningly beautiful but also resonate emotionally with our clients.

 

View the Once Upon A Time collection here.