When I signed up at the begining of February to participate in the Challenge of Music Blog hop that Erin of Tesori Trovati is hosting – I knew the devil in me was going to spur me on. To be daring, to be different, to select a song that not only would be an inspiration to me in making a piece of jewelry; but that would represent me in myriad ways to people visiting my blog. Music that was an integral part of who I am, not simply a song I quite like. Go obscure or go home?
I flashed back to sophomore year in college; drawing 202 – spring semester. Janet Sorensen. I seem to remember that her assignment was to do a series of drawings, inspired by a work of music? poetry? I decided to select the same song; as it was evocative to me then, and would prove to be in very different ways now. And the contrast of a series of drawings so early in my career to a mixed media necklace now? Interesting to say the least.
The song was “Script for a Jester’s Tear” by the British band Marillion. A prog-rock band of the 80’s – they were rather obscure then, and even more so now. And yes, I still listen to them regularly. (They are still around, but changed drastically with the departure of singer/lyricist Fish in 1989) The song is also the title of the album; which tells a story of sorts, songs flowing into the next, poetic, dramatic – hard to describe…
The jester character is woven throughout Marillion’s 4 albums with Fish. A storyteller, an alter ego… The song “Script for a Jester’s tear” is about loss, leaving, love lost. It is about nostalgia, longing, and regrets. It also evokes growth and maturity, leaving behind of youth’s folly. (Full lyrics here.)
“The fool escaped from paradise will look over his shoulder and cry
Sit and chew on daffodils and struggle to answer why?
As you grow up and leave the playground
Where you kissed your prince and found your frog
Remember the jester that showed you tears, the script for tears”
Brass and nickel silver pieces cut and drilled. What to go inside? So much of the album is angst driven introspection, told in the first person. It feels confessional at times – looking inward, seeing clearly…I have an idea! And as I listen to the album again and again while I work – I am hearing ( from the song “The Web”)
“I realise I hold the key to freedom
I cannot let my life be ruled by threads
The time has come to make decisions
The changes have to be made
Now I leave you, the past does have it’s say
You’re all but forgotten a mote in my heart
Decisions have been made, decisions have been made
I’ve conquered my fears…”
But I needed color. I wanted to reference the fool’s motley, jewel tones, diamond patterned… I thought enamel but decided to truly challenge myself with a new technique. Colored pencil on metal… I googled, and talked to my go-to-gal Cooky… After cleaning the metal and de-greasing it from oils, I painted it with gesso. (Patina can work but gesso is bright white as a primer as opposed to green patina…) Then I colored it. Berol Prismacolors are recommended as they are waxier than other brands. You can blend with turps, sand and do multiple layers… I just did one. It was so stark and intensely colored. I admit I was (unpleasantly) surprised. But after a bit of sanding – I was more satisfied… (resources here and here…)
I plan to experiment more with this technique and have ordered black gesso to try as well. Just now seeing the irony as I write the post. My original “Script for a Jester’s Tear” drawings in college, in the 80’s – they were in Berol Prismacolor as well. And I didnt realize that consciously until this second… My road has come full circle…
The pendant: brass and nickel silver shrine/frame. Engraving from late 1800’s art text. Antique key. Sterling, moonstones, smokey quartz, pearls. Assembled with micro bolts.
The necklace: Sterling cones. SP chain. Irridescent seed beads to echo the colors of the pendant. Simple clasp. ( I routinely use simple closures to keep the necklace comfortable while worn.) approximately 24″.
This whole challenge was very invigorating. I am intrigued by a new technique and plan to try it agin. I enjoyed the nostalgia and memories that I stirred up, reflecting back to my years in art school, my own feelings of leaving youth, loss and growth. I am proud of the road – with its obstacles and triumphs – that I have travelled as an artist since those formative experiences as an art student.
In fact – I did a second piece inspired by the same album… but that will have to wait until tomorrow! You have other blogs to visit! Thanks for staying with me – I know this post was epic. I would love to hear your thoughts on the necklace, and if there are any other Marillion fans out there…
Here are my fellow bloggers participating in the “Challenge of Music”:
Jenny Davies-Reazor 
I am in awe of your talent! You truly did rally to this challenge…new technique and everything! This is stunning…a true work of art! Congratulations!
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Thanks Patti – I am so blushing right now! Thanks for coming over! I look forward to hopping after my shift in the ceramics studio this morning!
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Loved the peek at your design process. The necklace is really well done. More impressive is that you had sketch from the 80’s!
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OMG! Totally and utterly speechless!
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I cant wait to wear it! It will definitely be a converssation starter! Thank you so much for your kind words, my fellow blog-friends!
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I love that your piece was created from a memory in your past. Your necklace is fantastic, and I’m amazed at that focal, especially since it was a new technique for you, and you nailed it!
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I can’t even tell you how amazing your piece is. Such creativity! Awe-inspiring.
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Jen, I love the music you’ve chosen for this challenge! It brings me back to my high school days 😉 And your pendant and necklace are spectacular! The colors are luscious and the feel of the whole piece is amazing. And on a side note – aren’t Prismas the best?? 😉
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Heavens I love a blog hop! Great to “see” you all here! Holly – dont know about you but “Kayleigh” takes me right back! And yes, Prismacolors are sent from the Muse herself!
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Love your piece and the process! Really special!
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I SO love this. I admire anyone who can take metal and transform it like this – but you really nailed the song with this piece as well!
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I love the piece you created and love the creation process you showed us. It is so cool you tried something new for this challenge too. I also have never heard of using colored pencils on metal, so that was neat to learn. I love how you combined it all together into an awesome piece!
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Thanks! I look forward to trying more color in metal… I think there will be good info in Hettmansperger’s new book also! I want to do a few test pieces and see how stable the technique is before I use it in a piece to sell. I dont want it to be so fragile as to scratch…
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Sorry to say that I never heard of Marillion, until today. Loved seeing your process, and the finished (beautiful) result.
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I just loved your piece but even more then that I loved how your chose a song from your past. Talk about illustrating how life comes back around.
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How cool to find that you’re a Marillion fan! We’re scarce enough as it is here in the states, but I think those of us of the female persuasion are even rarer!
Love what you’ve done with the inspiration of the tune, and looking forward to seeing the second piece! 😀
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Mary! Hello – thanks for reading! I knew this post would bring die hard fans out of the woodwork! Altho it was never the same after Fish left…
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I know….they’re still good, but they just don’t have the emotional impact for me that they did when Fish was with them. He’s still recording, too, and I have more of his solo stuff than I have of the current Marillion stuff. I think I’ll go have a listen to some of the old stuff, now…. 😀
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I have never heard of this band before, but now I am eager to hear more 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing your technique!! I LOVE seeing your process it is incredibly fascinating and wonderful! And oh my, I love the finished piece, it is so evocative and thoughtful and… perfect for the song.
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Thank you so much for sharing this song and its lyrics with me! I lost the jester in my life last year and the words say so much for how I’ve been feeling. I love how you chose an eye and a key for the symbols. Two very powerful messages!! Love to see your work. xoxo Beth
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Thank you Beth – it is a heavy heart wrenching song, and has always struck a powerful chord with me. And inthe album there are notes of hope and resolution… some of which show up in tomorrow’s Part 2… Nice to “see” you again. Been a while…
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I love what you have created. I have wanted to try colored pencil on metal myself but simply haven’t gotten to it. You did a beautiful job.
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Thanks Ema. I like the technique, but want to try again, and test its durability…
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wow. your piece is gorgeous! i love love love that used the same song. it’s cool to see our growth and the different ways we respond to the same thing, years apart. do it again in another ten years! i’ve heard about coloring with prismas on metal but never tried. too bright, huh? that can be a little scary, but i think your focal is wonderful. sanding saves the day, yet again.
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Thanks Beth – I have to confess – I still have the series of drawings from over 20 years ago. I wasnt willing to post pix bc they are so “of the past” to me. They are naive, not terribly well executed, and I love them and am simultaneously embarassed by them. So they are for my eyes only…
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Very nice necklace! I especially love the pendant and the colouring (been meaning to try pencil on metal for a long time and seeing this inspires me to actually get around to it and get some colour pencils).
I also really enjoyed reading the post and seeing pics of the whole process. Thanks for sharing!
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Such a great piece that you have created and I agree with the other comments – it’s very interesting to see the process.
I’m now going to check out more Marillion… 🙂
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I didnt embed a video b/c they were all SO 80’s. And the concert videos are a bit over the top melodramatic. And thats coming from a fan. Listen. You dont have to look at them… <smile>
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Miss Jenny- this is just marvelous. You really thought about this challenge, let it seep into your soul. I am delighted that you were spurred to try new techniques. That makes it even more special. There is a depth of feeling in these lyrics, and I quite suspect that what you took from them in your youth is different where you are at now. I love that about music, that it can stir in you feelings you never knew you had and can bring you back to a time and place so readily. I can’t wait to come back tomorrow and see what else you made and I will surely be looking for more experiments with this technique in the future!
Thank you so much for playing with me on this challenge. Enjoy the day!
Erin
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Erin – you are so right. The lyrics are as different inmeaning now – as I am different in person. It was a pleasure to immerse myself in the album with a reason… Cant wait to hear your thoughts on the second offering… Thanks for hosting! It has been wonderful to hop with old friends, and make new.
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I had never heard of Marillion until this post, but I am having a blast listening to them on youtube. Your focal is awesome and I love seeing your process. You should feel proud wearing that piece, it’s just to die for.
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Glad you are liking the videos. Some are so dated, the rocker mullets, the attire… but I still love the music and the poetry. Hope I have somewhere to wear it soon, thank you for your kind words!
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What a beautiful necklace that is a perfect representation of your song – I love it!
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Oh my gosh! Marillion! Good to know there are pp out there who remember them. I remember listening to Kayleigh and liking it a lot. And didn’t they do Lavender Blue? I loved reading the story behind your piece – which is lovely, btw.
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Yes! You are remembering correctly! Lavendar precedes Kayleigh on the album. Knew there were other fans out there! Thanks!
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Your jewelry always tells a story and I really love the thought you put into this one. You really achieved what you were going for!
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What a cool necklace! I loved your process … truly a work of art …
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Jenny, I don’t know where to start, other than your gorgeous work of art is utterly amazing!! You truly did the song justice!! All the little details. Beautifully done!
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I love your pendant and necklace it is so unique and a work of art. So much thought and planing went into this piece. I got a kick out of your realization of the sketches from your college days of this similar piece.
Therese
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you do amazing work with metal! Really talented!!
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