Sometimes you come across a design aesthetic so original and beautiful it makes you pause. While spelunking on Etsy today I came across Mark Kaplan’s shop. Mark’s profile says he earned his first boy scout merit badge in metalsmithing a long time ago. I say, how lucky are we to have such a selection of jewellery that is kinetic, humourous, and elegant!
Here are some earrings inspired by that most creative of geniuses Alexander Calder:
Homage au Alexander earrings © Mark Kaplan. Photograph used with permission.
Aren’t they wonderful? I love how they balance, like a mobile… I love the shape, which reminds me of a rib cage… or deer antlers… or the strange and beautiful wind sculptures I saw in Santa Fe’s gardens last year.
It seems much of Mark’s lovely work is inspired by nature. Look at this fab bracelet, which is like a strand of DNA, or berries along a branch:
Fringe Elements bracelet © Mark Kaplan. Photograph used with permission.
Living in as many places as I have, I always enjoy seeing art forms that were inspired by the artist’s travels. Here’s a pair of earrings inspired by Indian prayer flags:
Kinetic earrings © Mark Kaplan. Photograph used with permission.
Best of all, Mark uses only recycled materials in his pieces. I have to say, this Hanging Chad necklace made me laugh. Then think very seriously — I became a U.S. citizen in 2009, so this November will be the first time I’m able to vote in a presidential election!
Hanging Chad necklace © Mark Kaplan. Photograph used with permission.
You can buy Mark’s wonderful creations at his Etsy store. Check out more of his work on his Facebook and Flickr.
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