be different art

With inspiration from Mayan art and architecture, Cristobal Ramirez of Guatemala designs a marvelous wrap bracelet. A beautiful array of glass beads in colors of blue and turquoise are carefully strung by hand between two lengths of nylon cord that wrap the wrist, closing with a reconstituted turquoise button. Says the artisan, "Mayan architecture is a precious thing. Combining different forms and sizes, it is something precious to admire. It is incredible to think that our ancestors achieved magnificent works without imagining that today they would be the treasure of our country."

Quetzalcoatl, the "feathered serpent" was a revered deity in Mesoamerican myth and legend. Mariana Llanes depicts him as a sterling silver dragon that take its own tail in his mouth. "When one becomes many, they awaken the dragon, and duality emerges — light and darkness, what is mine, yours and belonging to others," ths artist says. "Our differences, survival and the struggles for power.

"By biting its tail, the dragon places all its energy toward understanding who we are and why we're here. It speaks of overcoming one's own ego, of humility.

"For me, the open hands are a beautiful representation of human collabouration. They symbolize friendship, honesty, respect, solidarity and willingness.

"Black crosses flank the hands along with garnet droplets that represent the death and suffering caused by wars. This is in honour of everyone who has died because of war. And it's a prayer that their lives and their blood be seeds that germinate in green fields of conscience, learning, and respect for life and for our differences.

"The spirals speak of life's cyclical nature and of resilience. Of our capacity to learn and change our reality, converting painful experiences into strength and wisdom.

"The feather pendants are symbols of the birds that collect our prayers around the world — for peace, for justice, for equality and the rights of everyone. They carry our voices in their song and they carry our prayers for peace."

The pendant is worn on a beaded gemstone strand of amethyst, iolite, citrine, peridot, carnelian and garnet.

Like a fragrant spring breeze, this amethyst and peridot beaded necklace refreshes the senses. The natural gemstone chips are strung onto 5 strands of different lengths by Thai artisan Sukanya Thongperm, creating a stunning piece of wearable art.

.925 Sterling silver

"Enjoy these musically inspired earrings from my collection!" invites Ghanaian designer Akwele Suma. She crafts the earrings by hand, cutting paper from different printed sources and securing the discs with brown linen threads. Featuring sese wood beads, the earrings hang from brass wires.

The artist uses the paper at hand so paper colors will vary, making each design a unique example of handcrafted art. These beads receive a protective coat of clear nail polish.

Akwele Suma takes her inspiration for this bracelet from the emergence of the sun at dawn and its rays across the sky. "Each day is a new beginning, we can always start fresh," shares the Ghanaian artist. She crafts the bracelet by hand, cutting paper from different printed sources and rolling them into spindles that alternate with sese wood beads.

The artist uses the paper at hand so paper colors will vary, making each design a unique example of handcrafted art. These beads receive a protective coat of clear nail polish.

Featuring a palette of multiple hues, these earrings are a unique creation by Akwele Suma. "They remind me of berries," the Ghanaian designer confides. She crafts the earrings by hand, cutting paper from different printed sources and securing the discs with red silk threads to form a spindle shape. Featuring sese wood beads, the earrings hang from brass wires.

The artist uses the paper at hand so paper colors will vary, making each design a unique example of handcrafted art. These beads receive a protective coat of clear nail polish.

"These earrings remind me of a frying pan! That's why I chose to call them 'Hot Breakfast,'" confides Akwele Suma with a smile. She crafts the pair by hand, cutting paper from different printed sources and securing the discs with red silk threads. Featuring sese wood beads, the earrings hang from brass wires.

The artist uses the paper at hand so paper colors will vary, making each design a unique example of handcrafted art. These beads receive a protective coat of clear nail polish.