Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Challenge of Music




Earlier this month, Erin Prais-Hintz from Treasures Found issued another challenge:  the Challenge of Music.  It took me a few days to wrap my head around this one.  I spent almost a day perusing the songs in iTunes.  I did no beading that day and didn't even get to play Star Wars.  Yes, I blame Erin.

What I came to realize, though, is that most music puts some sort of vision in my head.  "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" conjured images of Marilyn Monroe in that gorgeous pink dress from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.  The theme from Angel made me think of Gothic lace and red jewels.  "Me and My Shadow" had me really wanting to bead a top hat.

I not only found it hard to choose one song, I found it hard to begin beading from only the music or lyrics.  I kept seeing the movie, television show or video associated with the song.

Then I came upon  this:


The song is "Hurt," written by Trent Reznor and performed by Johnny Cash.  This song is on Johnny Cash's album America IV:  The Man Comes Around, which is an amazing album.  (Seriously, go check it out.  I don't mind waiting.)

I listened to Cash's version and Reznor's version several times and thought it was interesting that each version made me envision totally different things.  It might be my remembering the videos or it might be the totally different styles.  They are two totally different songs which happen to have the same melody and lyrics.

Speaking of lyrics, here they are:

I hurt myself today
to see if I still feel
I focus on the pain
the only thing that's real
the needle tears a hole
the old familiar sting
try to kill it all away
but I remember everything

what have I become?
my sweetest friend
everyone I know
goes away in the end
you could have it all
my empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt

I wear my crown of thorns
on my liar's chair
full of broken thoughts
I cannot repair
beneath the stain of time
the feeling disappears
you are someone else
I am still right here

what have I become?
my sweetest friend
everyone I know
goes away in the end
you could have it all
my empire of dirt
I will let you down
I will make you hurt

if I could start again
a million miles away
I would keep myself
I would find a way

Cash's version makes me think of love and life and regret.  I've listened to it many times this month and am amazed at the emotion it delivers.  The video reminds the viewer of Cash's life and accomplishments while simultaneously presenting the idea of how empty those things can be.

I wanted to showcase something old and worn, a piece that might carry with it a lifetime of memories.  I made a pendant using a wooden circle I picked up at Michaels for 5 cents (yep .. 5 cents).  I used a mix of gold, pewter and bronze delica beads to bezel the pendant, then added a bit of chain around the edge.


The bezel is inspired by a technique by Julia Gerlach.  Her "Catch a Cab" necklace graces the cover of Beautiful Jewerly:  Make It and Wear It.  I loved the use of chain in her bezel.  My wooden disc isn't quite the same as her cabochon, so I stitched the chain around the outside.  I love the way it turned out:

The pendant was easy, but the rest of the necklace was a challenge.  (I suppose that was the point.)  While experimenting with a variety of chains, pearls, beaded ropes and ribbon, a little voice kept nagging me about an idea I was "saving."  Since nothing looked quite right and I was coming down to the wire, I gave in and dug out this chain:


When I saw this chain at the bead store, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it.  It was perfect for Marcie Abney's Looking Glass Pendant pattern.  How much fun would it be to bead around the big circles in the chain?  (The answer .. pretty fun!)


Using Marcie's pattern as a jumping point, I beaded around several circles in the chain, using different types of beads in shades of gold, bronze and copper.  (Marcie's blog is full of beady goodness and her etsy store has more beautiful patterns.

The circles in the chain seemed to "work" with the song and Cash's video.  Circles are symbolic of union.  Cash's love for June Carter Cash is evident in the video.  The impending loss of that love is also apparent. (Cash was in frail health when he filmed the video.  June died soon after the filming and Cash followed her not much later.)


The video shows Cash at the end of his life remembering the beginning.  The stark contrast between the beginning and end reminds me of the "circle of life."  The dark chain contrasts with the brighter, beaded circles, almost like a beginning and an end.

For the final touch, I grabbed a small charm I bought from Staci Louise Artisan Accents.  (Check out Staci's shop for more goodies.  Her blog is also full of eye candy.)


I'm quite happy with the result.


I will certainly be beading another, colorful necklace for spring using the same technique.

Before deciding on the circle chain, I grabbed a wooden washer and made a toggle clasp using the same technique I used to create the pendant.  Since I didn't use that clasp in this necklace, I decided to make it into its own necklace.


This simpler version is great as a choker.

Erin, thank you for the opportunity to challenge ourselves with music.

Here is a list of all the participants.  Please check out their blogs for some awesome and inspiring work:

Erin Prais-Hintz
Tanya Goodwin - you are here

36 comments:

  1. What an incredible necklace I love how you glammed up the chain - it really makes it one of a kind!

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  2. I also love this song. In fact I have always loved Johnny and his music. He really spoke to you and wow did you listen. June herself would have love this necklace.

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  3. Hello from a fellow Kansan! I love the song you chose, and the emotion it evokes. Your necklace is just gorgeous, and I can't imagine all the work that is put into using these tiny seed beads!

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  4. That's gorgeous, and I love Johnny Cash.

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  5. Johnny Cash, well, what can one say about the legend? This song is amazing, and the video just as amazing. Your necklace fits perfectly and is so lovely...I see the images of circles and crowns of thorns and reminiscing on life and it's losses...

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  6. Even though that song was not written by Johnny Cash, it certainly became his. The video is one of the most powerful ones I have ever seen. So much told in those few minutes. Your necklace it Gorgeous and works beautifully with your inspiration~Circle of life, muted colors, the whole package! I am always partial to beadweaving and beading around washers and circles is so much fun! Beautiful piece...I would wear it in a heartbeat!

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  7. Wow - you picked a sensational song and made a sensational piece. So beautiful!

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  8. Very moving song choice and your necklace has great movement too! Nice work!

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  9. Love the song and how you used the song to create your piece. Love the idea of the chain and your bead circles working together and the focal is awesome! Gorgeous!!!

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  10. You should be happy with it because it's very nice. I really like it, and I like the little simple one too! Great job!

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  11. I have to admit that I had never listened to Johnny Cash's version of this song until now but I love it. And you took the song and made it your own with this necklace.

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  12. Beautiful necklace! It's obvious that you put a lot of thought into it and that your music inspired you. <3

    I love the toggle, too. Gorgeous!

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  13. Hehe! I thought those little rings looked familiar! I LOVE the colors in this necklace and I think you did a superb job mixing everything together. Each piece is unique but it all comes together so beautifully. Congratulations, it's gorgeous!

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  14. That is wicked cool! Johny Cash was an amazing voice, and you are right - that song is achingly poignant. The beading on the circles is great, and I like the idea of a time worn talisman as the focal...

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  15. Gorgeous my dear! Love the circles and your beadwork is exquisite!
    {Hugs!}

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  16. Wow what a lovely coincidence! I just discovered this song a couple weeks ago both versions you mentioned, and I think Eddie Vedder singing it in concert too. It is so powerful and like you said whoever is singing is bringing their own life experience to it and takes on new significance. Thanks so much for bringing this song to life in a necklace so I can see what it means for you. Love the focal point! xoxo Beth

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  17. Gorgeous necklace! Love the mix of big-link chain and beadweaving. And lovely colours too. Yummy!

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  18. Such an incredible song and the complexity of the piece you made (without being overly so, it's perfect) just fits the song so amazingly.

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  19. Oh Wow! I am speechless! The chain is perfect and I really find the piece very inspiring. As for the song, I love both versions and I agree they really do have two totally different feelings to them. Thanks so much for sharing!

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  20. Tanya, I love your necklace you really lived up to this challenge. I have heard this song sang by Johnny Cash, but this is the first time I have seen the video. It is so haunting and it brought a tear to my eye, great choice.
    Therese

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  21. Holy Cow! That is one beautiful piece :-)
    You used all my favorite artists too.

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  22. Wow. I have chills listening to that song, Miss Tanya. The way you approached the materials and really thought about the placement and the colors is magical. I love the beaded links on the chain and the extra necklace with the simply complex toggle. And a cab for 5cents?! That is crazy cool and just the sort of bargain shopping I am up for! You took me on a journey with this necklace and this musical inspiration. Thank you so much for being a part of this fun musical marathon. Enjoy the day.
    Erin
    P.S. So sorry you missed out on playing Star Wars. But wasn't this fun worth it? ;-P

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  23. A haunting song ... a beautifully executed necklace ... just lovely.

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  24. Your necklace is just beautiful!!!! I love your design! And, you used so many creative elements! Gorgeous!

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  25. tanya, i love this song. the first time i heard it my best friend sat me down and showed me the cash video and i cried. so beautiful. i haven't heard the other version. must visit youtube. your interpretation is gorgeous. good job!

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  26. What a beautiful necklace! I am honored that you used one of my lentils in it. Its something I would wear, and love it even more with the back story and great song that inspired it. (i must confess, I love Trents version the best- I was a big NIN fan)

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  27. You have created a very beautiful piece. Something about it just strikes me---wow!!

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  28. The circles necklace is gorgeous! Contemporary, fun and unique. I never knew Johnny Cash covered that song. You are right, it takes on a whole new meaning when he sings it. I also really love the beaded circles and pendant that you created. Love it!

    The chain necklace is really great as well. That toggle clasp focal rocks!

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  29. Oh, WOW! I remember the first time I saw that video, and how powerful it was to hear Johnny Cash sing at that point in his life. Your necklace really captures the idea of how things are connected, with some points shining more brightly...

    And aside from all of that, I LOVE how you incorporated the beaded rings into a chain. Really great!

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  30. This is just beautiful! I love the weaving around the wood and the contrast of wood and glass and making a chain. Everything about this compliments Johnny Cash! What an awesome song too!

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  31. Just dropping in from BSBP...OMG I LOVE your technique on the chain! ie, the beading the large circles...so unique and innovative! Great job!

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    1. Lori, drop by any time. :) I borrowed the beading technique from Marcie Abney. Her tutorial is fabulous: http://labellajoya.blogspot.com/2011/09/free-jewelry-tutorial-10-handmade.html. I was drawn to your dragonfly pendant in the BSBP, though, because I loved the way you beaded around that copper circle. :)

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    2. That was some odd formatting. Thanks again for dropping my and for the wonderful words. :)

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  32. I love all the repeating circles in the piece. very cool!

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  33. Beautful work on the necklaces, love the way the circles and they way you made the clasp a focal. dropping by for chalenge of music and bead soup:-)

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