Rachel Howe, School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University
Copper, wood, enamel; 3 x 3 in.
From the artist:
In my artistic practice, I explore the intersection of humanity and nature through wearable jewelry. My work draws inspiration from archaeological research, revealing the interconnectedness of our shared human experience while simultaneously reflecting the enduring patterns found in the natural world.
This wearable brooch features four distinct elements, each representing a different phase in the final stages of a tree’s life. From its towering presence as a symbol of strength to the quiet memorialization of its life in its rings, the brooch encapsulates nature’s journey of resilience and the eventual return of life to the Earth—a cycle shared by all living beings. Uniquely, trees visually narrate this story, offering a lasting testament to their strength long before and after our time. Each element weaves together a tale of endurance and transformation, allowing the wearer to carry the essence of the tree’s life, immortalized in metal, as a reminder of the enduring Earth and our fleeting, yet meaningful, place within it.