Court. Recognition. Wordless.
One-of-a-kind medallion made by THL Arabella de Mere
"You are FLOURISHING." -Lady AmeliaJoan
As discussed in my bio, I have found my path as Art as Service. Despite a large case of impostor syndrome, that much prefers to give than to receive, my path is evidently noticed by others, as well, because last night, April 8, 2021, I was inducted into the Order of the Silver Brooch. My words were few, as I was surprised and elated to the point of tears. I love what I do, and am grateful that I am able.
During Court recording, I was presented with an AMAZING wire-wrapped
made by The Honorable Lady Arabella de Mere. This, along with the Silver Wheel she created for me in 2018, will be my "fancy garb" medallions. I absolutely love it, and know the amount of work that went into making such a detailed piece.
Back in December, I sculpted and created a medallion for Declan, who was to be inducted into the Order. I learned a lot about the process of pewter casting, and even moreso about molding, and sprue placement, and used my first vent hole after the initial pour of the mold failed. I kept that pour's results though, as a symbolic reminder of progress made over time, of being allowed to not be perfect from the start, and of happy accidents. It is that medallion that you shall see me wear with everyday garb.
Many individuals have helped and guided me along the way. I must thank:
- First and foremost, Their Majesties Tindal and Alberic for granting me this honor. Words failed me at the recording, and I still have yet to find those that truly summarize how grateful I am to be inducted into this Order. Alberic, it is my pleasure and privilege that you wear a chain made by my hand. There may have been a Nutty Monk had during its creation. Again, I thank you for recognizing my first attempt at pewter casting with my Merovingian rabbit hole project winning Your Choice at the Shire Wars Derby.
- Mael Eoin for his guidance as my Peer in Service, and having my back in good and bad.
- Ysmay de Lynn for her guidance as my Peer in Art as Service, which has opened me up to my path in the Society, something I still have yet to fully formulate. For giving me permission to not be excellent at everything, and for asking me "did you learn something" every time I complete a project.
- Morwill MacShane for his support and love, the physical and emotional safe space and encouragement for all the arts I do, and for making sure I had my eyeliner on for Court.
- Arabella de Mere for too much for one blog post - getting me involved in the SCA, making me go meet people, encouraging me to art All The Things, making my medallions for this Order, as well as the Silver Wheel, teaching me inkle weaving, et al.
- Matthias, AmeliaJoan, Drustan, Katie, Conchobar, Marc, Anastasia and the Shire of Old Stonebridges for arting with me, and giving me a loving space with which to grow. Also, for not letting the proverbial cat out of the bag, thus keeping the surprise ;)
- Brose for the light in your eyes and smile on your face each and every time you see what I've gotten up to this time. That type of encouragement is just so important.
- Aibhilin inghean Ui Phaidin and Lissa Underhill for making me light the lampwork torch after a long hiatus. To Aibhilin for asking me to make Declan's brooch, pushing my artistic boundaries. To Lissa for allowing me to teach her a new art (block printing).
- Roibeard mac Neill and Gaius Claudius Valerianus for sharing their knowledge of metalwork and pewter casting with me.
- Cassair Ni Deoraine for commissioning me to create Alberic's Pelican chain, and for pulling me into conversation during Zoom calls, putting a bit of me out in front of the world.
- Thóra Köttr who during a 1-hour car ride conversation opened my eyes to see all the art I do.
- To any and all I call friend. You inspire me, whether you know it or not.
- Last, but certainly not least, to they who put words in front of Their Majesties, asking for this recognition to be bestowed.
Please know that if there is anyone left off this list, it is unintentional, and because my head is still swirling. I am beside myself, with astounded happiness.
My final words: You never know how much your words, your smile, your art and just being YOU will play a part in someone's life and journey. For all of you - I am grateful, and strive to give back even more than I get.
#SCA #EastKingdom #Award #Medallion #SilverBrooch #AandS #ArtAsService #NewArt #PewterCasting #Metal #Sculpting #InkleWeaving #Chainmaille #Lampwork #Glass #GetTwisted
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