Memento Mori and hair

My current work has developed into a collection of contemporary mourning jewellery. It started for me in BA7 when I became interested in the latin victorian phrase 'Memento Mori ' ( Remember that you must die!) It actually for me became a mantra for the preciousness of being alive in the moment and remembering ones own mortality. It is so important to accept ones death and the' little deaths' (losses) that occur throughout life, so that we may live fully and in the present.
My jewellery when worn brings the wearer into the present moment, you know you are wearing it. It is abit like the cognitive therapy technique of wearing a rubber band around the wrist, pinging it to bring the wearer into the now.
Hair was often used in Victorian Mourning Jewellery, so I did alittle experiment of my own.

Synthetic monofibre hair, digital ground for non porous surfaces and photographic inkjet print.

Inspirational photography from one of my pinterest mood boards.

Close up shot.

Laser cutting cold porcelain

Had a mega cooking session all day tuesday, getting ready for yesterdays laser cutting. I was very organised, or so I thought. Having cooked and rolled out the cold porcelain onto cling film wrapped boards, eight in total.
When I came to taking the material off the boards, Huge Problem! It had stuck solid! Thankfully, Steph from surface design was around and looked after the lasercutter whilst I looked for a large palette knife. Thanks Steph, you saved the Day!

Cold porcelain, engraved with laser. I had to alter the settings on the laser alot to get the effect that I was after. This piece is 'After Albarn/Ansari.'

Another shot of the piece, as its still wet and pliable I can still work with it and mold it.

Our lovely laser cutter at Nuca

First batch didn't completely cut through the material, so altered the setting to 5mm.

As the material is still pliable, I can see lots of potential for future research.