Tiara of Useful Knowledge, 2006, Jan Yager
English: The Tiara of Useful Knowledge, 2006 Transforms into: 8 Brooches, 2 Stick Pins, Tie Tack, Pendant, Headband Oxidized Sterling Silver, 18K & 14K Gold 9in/24cm W x 12in/29cm H (assembled) THE TIARA OF USEFUL KNOWLEDGE is the visual synthesis of research into readily available plants. Studying the vegetation in the vacant lot near my studio and behind my Philadelphia row house began as a search for new forms and textures for jewelry, and resulted in a deep appreciation of the genius of Nature. Tiaras are rooted in the practice of placing laurels upon the heads of victors in ancient Greece, and grew into an icon of British royalty. My American version is modeled after common weeds that I thought were unique to the USA until I read about Invasive Species – and Aliens pushing out Natives. Natives were now Rare, Threatened, Endangered, Vulnerable, Extinct or even Extirpated. My beloved City Flora – were being described as Nuisance, Noxious, or Worst. The Tiara of Useful Knowledge focuses on the Importance of plants. It is inspired by The American Philosophical Society’s charter [1743] “for Promoting Useful Knowledge,” and the Academy of Natural Science’s [1812] goal “to connect people to nature.” Composed of portraits of ten plants, an ant, and a pebble chosen for their “usefulness” and to celebrate the diversity and interdependence of plants, animals, and minerals. Designed as a “transformer” it can be used (or displayed) as a tiara, or the 12 pieces of jewelry can be removed and worn separately. Made of oxidized sterling silver, 18K, and 14K gold, and employing numerous metal working processes. A Potato Leaf (I call it a French Fry Leaf) symbolizes the importance of biodiversity. It is modeled after a sprouted potato my 13 year-old daughter stuck in a bucket of dirt in the backyard, that rapidly grew and yielded potatoes. Native Americans were cultivating nearly 3,000 varieties of potato at the time of the Spanish Conquest [1535]. Only a few were brought back to Europe, spawning the monoculture that led to the Irish Potato Famine [1845-1850]. Today, there are still reportedly thousands of edible plants, yet once again we rely upon 20 or so for most of our food, and their industrial growers talk of patenting those. Lamb’s Quarter’s is included because of its dual identity. A typical plant is said to yield many thousands of seeds able to remain dormant for 40 years making it highly resistant to chemical herbicides. The makers of herbicides label it the “World’s Worst Weed.” But, since it is one of the first plants to grow back in disturbed soil, and is more nutritious than most standard crops, others list it as a “Plant for A Future.” One Hurricane Katrina survivor confirmed this when he found it the only useful (edible) thing on the site where his house once stood! Switch Grass reminds us that important things are hidden in plain sight. And, that renewable sources of fuel for our cars grow freely on the North American prairies. Clover, Plantain, Rye, Prickly Lettuce, Crab Grass were each selected for the food, shelter and/or enrichment of all sorts they offer animals, the environment – and us. The American Tobacco blossom represents the powerful seduction of cash and addictive crops, and Ragweed the powerful and sometimes deadly allergens, poisons and medicines found – sometimes in the same plants. Benjamin Franklin encouraged the pursuit of knowledge in diverse fields for the common good. John Bartram, (America’s first botanist) approached each new plant with curiosity and a profound belief in Nature. Thomas Jefferson embraced all vegetation trusting it had value – perhaps not yet known. These ideals – born in Philadelphia and worthy of a nation – celebrate diversity, foster tolerance – and focus our attention on Usefulness. © Jan Yager, 2006