PART 3: Be Kind
“The most important thing without which we can’t survive is kindness. We need that to survive.”
– The Dali Lama
Ever notice when you catch a glimpse of someone smiling, it makes you feel like smiling? Or hearing someone laughing with their entire being causes you to start laughing too (or at least smile)? How a sincerely spoken “Thank You” can warm your heart. Consider this: small acts of kindness have an exponential power that you can’t fathom the extent of its reach.
These hand embroidered hands depict mine and my husband’s spelling out “Be Kind” in American Sign language (ASL), a language that we have studied as a way to communicate when we can’t audibly hear one another. It is a language that requires one’s full attention as your hands and eyes are doing the talking.
The multi-colored eyes are modeled in the likeness of David Bowie, a globally cherished cultural icon whose creative innovation often extended beyond his own music to help other musicians and artists flourish.
The combination of many eyes on hands represents the Compassionate Bodhisattva, known in China as Mother Goddess Guan Yin, or in India as Avalokitesvara, whose thousand arms reach out to comfort, save and protect all sentient beings. Buddhists make an offering to the Bodhisattva by practicing acts of kindness, compassion and giving.
emiko oye © 2019
Be Kind
Installation of individual pendants and Limited Edition of 34 pins displayed on six cross stitched hands in embroidery hoops, 2019
Cotton Aida cloth, cotton thread, plastic hoop, stainless steel, paint
Dimensions in inches: 15.125 H x 14.375 W x 0.875 D
““It pays off when you’re in an elevator and people are uncomfortable, you can just say, “That’s a beautiful scarf.” It’s just thinking about making someone else feel comfortable…we’re all vibrating together. If I can make yours just a little bit groovier, it’ll affect me. It comes back, somehow.” ”
I created the pins and pendants as symbols of Empathy. The act of wearing it on your body as a reminder to have self-empathy first and foremost, and empathy for others, second. Consider it a visual cue that you are Willing to Be Seen and have the Intention to Understand with Curiosity what another person’s needs might be.
Taizokai Mandala- convertible Pendant/Brooch
2020, Limited Edition
Cast yellow bronze with recycled and repurposed LEGO®
Argentium and sterling silver, recycled steel back plate, steel pin,
coated copper wire, nylon coated steel wire
Sterling Silver necklace convertor with waxed cotton neck cord with sterling silver clasp in 18” length
Dimensions in inches: 2.625 W x 2.625 H x 1.56 D
Justice for All - convertible Brooch/Pendant
2020, Limited Edition
Cast yellow bronze with recycled and repurposed LEGO®
Argentium and sterling silver, recycled steel back plate, steel pin,
coated copper wire, nylon coated steel wire
Sterling Silver necklace convertor with waxed cotton neck cord with sterling silver clasp in 18” length
Dimensions in inches: 2.625 W x 2.625 H x 1.56 D
As a society we cannot keep sweeping the issues of racial inequity under the rug. Systemic racism is embedded deep into every aspect of our culture, including beauty and the standards of beauty to which we aspire and yearn for. It’s high time we reclaim and celebrate our multi-hued, multi-race civilization, and Justice For All is a celebration of a new standard of beauty that is inclusive.
Sunday - convertible Pendant/Brooch
2020, Limited Edition PURCHASE HERE
Cast yellow bronze with recycled, repurposed and chromed LEGO®
Argentium and sterling silver, coated copper wire, nylon coated steel wire,
recycled steel back plate, steel pin
Sterling silver necklace convertor with waxed cotton neck cord with sterling silver clasp in 18” length
Dimensions in inches: 2.625 W x 2.75 H x 1 D
Sunday was created in response to living in pandemic times. It’s been a time of letting go, turning inward, finding gratitude. A life-time’s desire to slow down and begin to be with what is. When everything else falls away, authenticity and true connection is what’s most appreciated and desired. A deep-seated calling to reach out to others with compassion.
The universal need to be seen and heard is now more imperative than ever. Sunday is a snapshot of this time of universal, collective consciousness, of all races, genders and beings. The eye of David Bowie leading our way, inspired by his song Sunday (from Heathen, 2002).
2 Be Seen Pins – Limited Edition of 34
Cast sterling silver, yellow bronze, or herculoy bronze with recycled, repurposed and chromed LEGO®, nickel post, plated nickel clutch
Pin dimensions in inches: Right eye: 1.56 W x 0.719 H x 0.5D
Left eye: 1.063W x 0.75H x 0.5 D. Length of pin backs: 0.375
2 Be Seen Pendants
Cast sterling silver, yellow bronze, or herculoy bronze with recycled, repurposed and chromed LEGO®. Waxed cotton neck cord with sterling silver clasp in 18” or 20” length or 18” sterling silver chain.
Pendant dimensions in inches: 1.56 W x 0.938 H x 0.5 D