THE SWAN Found Object - Narrative Jewelry
The Swan Did you too see it, drifting, all night, on the black river? Did you see it in the morning, rising into the silvery air An armful of white blossoms, A perfect commotion of silk and linen as it leaned into the bondage of its wings; a snowbank, a bank of lilies, Biting the air with its black beak? Did you hear it, fluting and whistling A shrill dark music - like the rain pelting the trees - like a waterfall Knifing down the black ledges? And did you see it, finally, just under the clouds A white cross Streaming across the sky, its feet Like black leaves, its wings Like the stretching light of the river? And did you feel it, in your heart, how it pertained to everything? And have you too finally figured out what beauty is for? And have you changed your life? Mary Oliver
The poet’s swan drifts on a dark river. In the morning it flies. The poet is transformed and experiences a moment of beauty that changes her forever. She asks the existential question
And have you changed your life?. She is reclusive American poet; Pulitzer winner, feminist writer Mary Oliver. Her work is considered ecstatic and transformational.
A poet of wisdom and generosity whose vision allows us to look intimately at a world not of our making. (Harvard Review) This little swan has come to me from far away... found in a box of discards. She is slightly damaged but delightful. How could anyone throw her away?
She stretches her wings to
fly. Her plumage longs to be silk & linen, a snowbank, a bank of lilies, white blossoms. Pearly white. Hidden pearly beads dangle at the nape of a neck with a glitter of diamante. A tiny silver heart is stamped with a C for Compatior (Latin for Compassion). A promise, a reminder; a token of love.
POULTICE
SARAH JOYCE POULTICE 2012
Compatior Series Vintage pewter swan pin (Norwich, UK), altered pewter salt shaker lid, vintage faux pearl and diamante dangle, favorite vintage steel chain from a dusty warehouse, all attachments hammered from steel wire.