The dandelion is strong; its roots go deep.
The dandelion spreads vigorously, even in poor soil.
The dandelion is hard to kill.
The dandelion is impossible to eradicate.
The dandelion cannot be subjugated.
#RESIST
The story behind the Dandelion Resistance in Holly’s words.
The Election, the Resistance and Political Expression in the Jewelry Arts
How do you square politics and art? Especially an art of luxury, such as fine jewelry?
We seriously asked ourselves that question, in the wake of the 2016 Election.
As conscientious and civically engaged citizens, Josh and I were devastated by the tide that turned last November. As self-employed artists, our means are limited, and we wanted to do everything we could to support the cause, which is now collectively known as the Resistance. Did you see those amazing “We the People” posters going up on Inauguration Day? We are proud to have supported that project by The Amplifier Foundation.
Musing on the role of art in supporting the Resistance, we found an abundance of lore on jewelry in wartime and eras of political turmoil and transformation. From sweetheart mementos, to war medals made into pendants, to Victory brooches, jewelry designers have never shied away from making political statements with their art in times of trouble. Statements of Strength, Beauty, Endurance, Solidarity. We’ve followed suit.
- Trinkets of our present Resistance began to spring up even before the election. Every day brings new memes which can be found on T-shirts, pendants, and key chains. “Nasty Woman,” “Resist,” “Nevertheless, she persisted.” These are simple and elegant expressions of solidarity, as well as easy to make and distribute. We’re not in the habit of quick and easy and we had something more heirloom quality in mind. Something that we can pass on to future generations as a reminder of our history and the call to fight for what is right.
The Dandelion
After meditating on imagery and symbolism that resonated for me on what could be a long, hard road of the Resistance ahead, I settled on the Dandelion. Regardless of one’s feelings toward the plant as an often unwelcome garden resident, you’ve got to agree that the dandelion is basically indomitable. Did you know that “dandelion” is derived from the French “dents de lyon,” or lion’s teeth? Also incredibly apropos for the Resistance.
I sketched out a dandelion motif in the art nouveau style which turned out to be a necklace. As I started carving the design out of wax and the sketch began to take physical form, we knew something special was manifesting.
Ethical Materials and Support for the ACLU
Josh and I have made sure that every step of production of this heirloom necklace has meaning, beyond the “RESIST” carved into the back of the flower head. We proudly partnered with a woman-owned and operated casting studio in San Francisco, JR Casting, for the necklace centerpieces. Our chosen gemstones are American Mined™, and responsibly sourced and cut by a company that is committed to best practices in traceability, labor rights, and fair trade. And finally, at least $100 per necklace sold will be donated to the ACLU Foundation. There are so many worthy causes to support during the Resistance, and we concluded that the highest good our money can support right now is the civil rights of all Americans. We hope this choice resonates with you as well.
Our finished Dandelion Resistance Necklace is fabricated in 100% Argentium, a lustrous, tarnish-resistant form of sterling silver, and set with American Mined™ gemstones. We’ve designed two versions of this unique necklace for you. We chose these natural gemstones* specifically because they are of traceable origin (mined in California and Oregon) which is rare in the business of precious and semi-precious gemstones.
Energetically, the Fire Opal enhances imagination and brings vitality and a creative energy to endeavors. It brings inspiration to projects, ambitions, and to relationships, helping you stay on your chosen path in the face of obstacles. This is such a blessing in times of transformation! The champagne colored Sunstone embodies the radiance of the sun. Its vibration opens the heart, fosters warmth and benevolence, strengthens resolve and heightens focus and action. Sunstone is said to be a stone of leadership, personal power, freedom, and expanded consciousness. Sunstone also helps alleviate fearfulness and stress, and protects against those who drain your energies or finances.
To make this necklace as affordable as possible, we are offering the first 15 necklaces at just over our cost of production + the $100 contribution to the ACLU Foundation. Once the first 15 orders are fulfilled, the price of the necklaces will increase to their full retail value of $435 and $475 respectively, which will then include a $200 per necklace contribution to the ACLU Foundation. We want every sale of this piece to have a real impact in support of our freedom…in support of the Resistance.
Do you want to support the Resistance by gifting this Dandelion necklace to someone special? Each gifted necklace will come with a small certificate with the donation amount in your name, or a name that you specify. Please share this post with anyone you know who loves heirloom jewelry and has a passion for justice! Take heart; supporting the Arts is one of the most important tools we have as a society to cultivate empathy, human connection, and hope.
*If you’d like a different 4mm accent stone in place of the Fire Opal, we have garnet, amethyst, peridot, blue topaz, white topaz, smoky quartz, and citrine available. Send us a private message to request another gemstone. Please note that fulfillment of your order may take 3-4 weeks. California sales are subject to sales tax; shipping cost in the domestic U.S. will be an additional $9.
We’re also tossing around the idea a ring, bracelet, and earrings based on this design. Sign up for email updates and you’ll be the first to know when something new from this line becomes available.
#RESIST #TAKEROOT #BEAUTIFULRESISTANCE
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Check out these links:
JR Casting, San Francisco
“We The People” Art Campaign
My Collection of Resistance Art
But somehow, we’re still growing, albeit slowly and not without frequent obstacles. Despite the uncertainty of the economy, indie street art festivals, maker faires, and pop-up markets are gaining ground all over the bay area, and really all over the country. Why? Because an ever growing number of folks truly see the need for and the value of art—and specifically of hand crafted items—and the long term benefits of supporting one another in our local economies. And you know what, after the initial shock of the election results (and the aftershocks that just keep coming), I think we need to have this faith in ourselves, and we need to support each other, now more than ever.
