a·sym·met·ric
/ˌāsəˈmetrək
adjective
Not
identical on both sides of a central line; unsymmetrical; lacking symmetry.
Micheline
Roi, Canada
The Minimalist, ring II, 2018
Sterling
silver, powder coating
Life—like
design—walks a narrow ledge between balance and imbalance, symmetry and
asymmetry. What at a single moment may be perceived to be in perfect balance or
symmetrical can, with a shift of perspective appear to be asymmetrical.
In
The Minimalist, ring II, I use the hemisphere
to explore changing perspectives between symmetry and asymmetry. Two
hemispheres of different sizes are arranged on the ring so they lay on the
finger asymmetrically but with a slight rotation of the ring wearer’s hand, you
can draw an imaginary line through the centre of both circles and the ring
appears as a symmetrical object. Both symmetry and asymmetry exist simultaneously
but dependent on the wearer’s perspective—Micheline Roi
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Hoi Yi Lai, Canada
Orbits, earrings 2018
Sterling
silver, 117mm X 25mm X 12mm
In
this piece, Orbits, I was inspired by
the idea of how movement creates asymmetry. Although, orbits are symmetrical in
the shape of a circle or an oval, the movement of the stars/planets eliminate
the balance and create asymmetry within. Using orbits and stars as the theme,
this pair of earrings contains four components: two studs that are asymmetrical
with the additional star on one side; and two add-on back pieces that are also
asymmetrical. This piece aims to allow the wearer to have a variety of ways to
wear the earrings and have a little fun with the idea of mix and match. With
all the parts being asymmetric to one another, there are more than ten ways of
wearing them. —Hoi Yi Lai
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Shafiq Sawari, Afghanistan
Untitled, earrings, 2018
Sterling
silver, 56.5mm X 15.6mm X 1.5mm
The word filigree comes from the Latin
word for thread or seed. This delicate and intricate technique involves
twisting extremely fine strands of a metal—usually gold or silver—to form a
pattern. One of the most important characteristics of filigree is the use of
sweeping, spiralling designs. Filigree can be use across the whole piece or
just to emphasize key features. The reason I chose to make a filigree piece is
that it reminds one of my famous collections after graduating from school.
—Shafiq Sawari
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Gillian E. Batcher, Canada
Moss, necklace, 2018
Sterling
silver, opalized root, opalized wood, sapphire, ruby, 45cm X 6.3cm X .6 cm
The
eye is drawn to symmetry and the creation of it around us in the built world.
Although we as people tend to favour it—the natural world does not. Petals on a
flower do not grow along symmetrical lines and leaves on a tree do not sprout
out at even intervals on a defined axis. Nature instead favours balance.
Moss necklace is my
interpretation of embracing balance rather than symmetry in my work and
life. Trying to live a life of symmetry
that reflects perfection is not sustainable. Subtle shifts are allowing me to
reach for an equilibrium I admire in others and with that I achieve a greater
sense inner peace. —Gillian E. Batcher
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Zef Radi, Croatia
Amethyst Mismatched Earrings, earrings, 2018
Sterling
silver, 18 karat yellow gold, purple amethyst, 37.5mm X 17.8mm X 4 mm
Nature’s
playfulness, asymmetry, and art. This design indicates how nature—and a lot of
things in life—are quite similar, but again they slightly differ. Every flower,
or being is unique in its beauty. —Zef Radi
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Mauricio Franco, Colombia
Catalyst, earrings, 2018
Sterling
silver, purple cubic zirconia, 75mm X 26.3mm X 4.7mm
Track I, rings, 2018
Sterling
silver, enamel, 24 karat yellow gold dust, ring I: 21.2mm X 5.7mm X 1mm, ring
II: 21.2mm X 7mm X 1mm
Track II, earrings, 2018
Sterling
silver, enamel and 24 karat yellow gold dust, 17.4mm X 4.4mm X 11mm
Asymmetry
can be found all around us, nature is in itself perfectly asymmetrical, and
there is nothing in nature that when cut in half will cast a perfect reflection
of itself. Take our bodies for example, they might seem symmetrical, but on close
inspection, one of our arms is shorter, one of our hands will be slightly bigger,
and our heart, the motor of the body, is slightly leaning to one side.
Asymmetry
doesn’t have to be obvious to exist, it can also reside in the slightest
details, one measurement, one missing piece; but it also can be given, a
perfectly round and symmetrical circle and be made asymmetric with a crack, a
smudge or a scratch.
These
pieces represent a progression of asymmetry in what could have been perfectly
symmetrical. First, Catalyst consists
of two triangles with similar details
and construction, but the configuration of the parts and the placement of a few
finishes make the pieces stand apart from each other. The second series, Track I and Track II are an exercise in asymmetrical exploration using the deconstruction
and reconstruction of a symmetrical object, thereby developing two asymmetrical
parts. —Mauricio Franco
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Jerell Reichert, Canada
O-love / Olive, earrings, 2018
Sterling
silver, 42.6mm X 8mm X 3 mm
I
studied jewellery design at George Brown College. A strong emphasis was placed
on making jewellery that was technically perfect and absolutely
symmetrical—quite like urban metal structures.
Our
brains interpret what we see. We are
very good at subliminally knowing when there is something off in what we are seeing.
It could be the smallest thing, yet it is identifiable and creates a
level of tension or anxiety. So, in the
absence of perfect symmetry, asymmetrical forms are often more pleasing to the
eye and brain.
The
olive-shaped earrings are part of an O-love
/ Olive series that are drawn freehand.
The earrings are designed so that the wearer can wear them in multiple
ways and combinations. Also they don’t
have to stress if you can’t find a perfectly matched pair. The earrings are
designed to emphasize the organic, asymmetrical shapes found in nature and the
human body. —Jerell Reichert
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Helena Perez Lafaurie, Colombia
Untitled, brooch, 2018
Sterling
silver, white cubic zirconia, 57.6mm X
56mm X 4.4 mm
Making
an asymmetric piece is complicated. Trying to reach design balance on my brooch
was the magic in-between, three stones are placed to make the piece equally
weighted, offsetting elements create some movement and at the same time add
different focus, that made the whole piece cohesive. The way it shines makes me
think of a lovely night full of stars. —Helena Perez Lafaurie
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Alexis Kostuk, Canada
Coral Growth I, earrings, 2018
Sterling
silver, 14 karat rose gold, turquoise, andalusite, 37.2mm X 11.4mm X 7.4mm
Coral Growth II, earrings, 2018
Sterling
silver, turquoise, carnelian, 50mm X 28mm X 11mm
Nature’s
quiet building blocks serve as a metaphor for creative instinct. I allow my
materials to determine the shape and construction of each piece building upon
them as I create.
This
is similar to the growth of coral polyp colonies. Every colony arranges itself
in distinct formations. Patterns and shapes emerge as coral grows—corals
growing side by side will have the same patterns, but will grow to form
distinct shapes.
Each
earring began with a pair of asymmetrical turquoise stones as the substrate for
“Coral Growths;” shaping how each is attached and creating similar patterns
with noticeable likeness but ultimately forming asymmetrical pairs. —Alexis
Kostuk
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