Channeling Aztec Art

If you are open to meeting new people, trying new things, listening as well as talking than every day can be a learning experience and things you once found scary can become beautiful. I recently met a Mexican artist who explained to me how important skulls were to the Aztec culture. They were symbols of the relationship between life and death and were found throughout Aztec culture. When the Spaniards came to Mexico they were not too hot for the native culture but the Aztecs found ways to preserve the art, religion and practices in different ways and to this day El dia de Los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) is still celebrated. After learning this I associate skulls in jewelry and art as a symbol of resiliance, determination, human beauty, culture and the dichotomy of life and death as well as personal growth. This black wood bead bracelet with silver skull reminds me of that whenever I wear it.

Chi-Town Inspiration

So, I think that fashion is a beautiful thing. To me it's beautiful because it is a form of expression. What you choose to put on your body, what jewelry you choose to adorn yourself with, where you choose to spend your money and on what is an expression of who you are. Your likes and dislikes and who you want to present to the world. Every day we are influenced by the people around us and the experiences we go through. For this reason, my hometown, Chicago, has played a major role in how I dress, my taste in fashion and what I buy for the store and from the store. My favorite piece of the season is a cement and silver ring by Hadas Shaham. Hadas Shaham makes all jewelry by hand in Tel aviv. Like any major world city, Tel Aviv can be fast paced, harsh and beautiful all at once. That's how I feel about Chicago. In any big city there are days when you see the ugly in people, you long for nature and maybe a simpler life. On good days there is no other place you would rather be. The food, the nightlife, the skyline, the people all look rosy. This ring reminds me of all of that and why I love Chicago. Its architectural feel, hard cement mixed with delicate silver design, empty and full spaces. Every time I wear this ring not only do I look down and love how its beauty and uniqueness add to my outfit I feel inspired by how it reminds me of Chicago, my hometown!