Circle in the Community

Jazmyn Izon
Industrial Design | Western Sydney University

“Embracing my individuality and finding acceptance within my communities gives me a profound sense of belonging.”

MATERIALS: Clay+paperbark+beeswax

Artist Statement

These earrings symbolise more than just a fashion choice; they represent the acceptance and support I receive from my family.Remembering the memories I have within my communities and family is an important part of how I realise the sense of being at home. When my mother said yes to these earrings, I felt a deep sense of belonging through her acceptance of my bold fashion choice. Lovisa, where I bought these earrings, is an Australian brand that I can only find in Australia.The country I live in facilitates this business, and without the ground of Australia, this business cannot exist. These earrings, therefore, encapsulate the essence of home, blending personal memories with the broader cultural and commercial landscape of my home country.

Synopsis 

The black ring, made of beeswax and charcoal, represents me as a unique individual connected to my family. It can move side to side, symbolising my ability to maintain my identity while engaging with different communities, fostering a sense of belonging. The ring leaves black marks over time, intentionally representing the small influences I leave in the community. It is connected to the middle pillar, symbolising that my origins and identity are rooted in my family, which supports and connects me to other communities.The three clay pillars in my art project each represent a different community. The middle pillar is family, while the two side pillars can represent friends, extended family, church mates, partners, or workmates. I designed my art product with waves, originally intended to be three separate pillars. However, I realised it is better for them to connect to each other, symbolising how my communities can flow within each other, much like a river. The reflective side, like a river's reflection, connects me to the country. This design symbolises that everything I do is facilitated within Australia, paying homage to the land that supports my endeavors. The structured design reflects my background as an industrial designer, focusing on solving problems efficiently and effectively by brainstorming multiple solutions before choosing the best one. The wave details showcase that design is within the details, emphasising the importance of precision and thoughtfulness in my work.