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| The Kiss |
Gustav Klimt (1862-1918) was a great master who
definitely was not popular during his era. In fact, citizens of Vienna, the
place of his birth, took great exception to his works such as “Danae” and “The
Kiss” for its sensual portrayal of eroticism and sexuality. On top of that, several pieces that he
commissioned for the university were also widely met with disdain due to his
vast use of symbolism. Despite heading one of the most popular art movements in
Vienna, known as the Secession Movement, and winning the grand prize for the
1900 Paris World Fair, Gustav Klimt believed that his popularity was going on a
downward spiral, and as a result travels to Florence and Rome.
It is in these places that Gustav Klimt created several of
his masterpieces. Though his work remained in the realm of symbolism and
non-traditional approach, his pieces were widely popular outside Vienna. “Death and Life”,
“The Virgin” and “The Bride”, were all creations made outside his country.
His style and techniques were well ahead of his time. And
though conservatives despised his work for scandalous reasons, his creations
serve as an inspiration for artists who wish follow their own path and to
experiment with non-traditional methods and materials. During the latter part
of his artistic career (and life) he was totally dedicated to art. GustavKlimt’s “Golden Phase” is named as such for his use real gold with his oil
paintings. He also collaborated with other artists, and on one such endeavor
for a wealth patron, remarked that he has reached his peak in ornamental
design. Known for a very deliberate and painstaking method, Klimt once changed
the background color of a prize winning work “Death and Life” in 1911, from gold
to blue.
GustavKlimt died in 1918, plagued by a stroke and subsequent pneumonia. An artist to
the very end, Klimt left many paintings unfinished upon his death. Gustav Klimt had an eclectic range of
influences that contributed to his style. His works are characterized by his
propensity to use gold, spirals and swirls, as well as phallic symbols the
feminine nature. Klimt’s works are best known for rejecting past styles,
eschewing them for symbols and symbolic elements. This places an emphasis on
what most of us look towards art, which is the freedom to create apart from
culture and tradition.
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| Gustav Klimt Mother and Child inspired Art Jewelry |
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| Gustav Klimt Sea Serpents inspired Art Jewelry |
As part of my practice and exercise, I take inspiration from visual artists like Klimt. What I love about his works the symbolisms and his use of patterns. At times they're playful and rich colors; but mostly his use of gold, yellow and orange to either give accent or be the main palette of his paintings. As part of improving my designs and art, I made these art jewelry pieces inspired by two of his works, "Mother and Child" and "Sea Serpent". Here are the pieces that I've made inspired by his works.
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| Gustav Klimt Sea Serpents inspired Art Jewelry |
P.S. Here's another one I made with Novie, which we didn't get to photograph professionally as one of our loyal clients bought it once we had it posted on Instagram.
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