Secure Attachment

Oct 26

I have been interested in Attachment theory since I was a college student studying developmental psychology. I participated in research about the bonds between children and their parents and learned how this bond is the underpinning of personality and mental health. Secure attachment is characterized by a trusting bond that leads to emotional stability in relationships.

Attachment theory has been a guiding principal in my career as a psychologist and I can’t help but think about these concepts in my work as a jewelry artist. Jewelry is literally attached to our bodies and often serves a soothing and sentimental purpose in our lives. The Secure Attachment Collection has five curving shapes suggesting a human presence intended to link together or stand on their own. They represent the power of secure bonds to create beauty, peace and tranquility. This collection is a successor to the Visible Attachment collection I created in 2021 bringing together my passion in psychology and art.

The Matisse cutouts are an art influence on this collection. Matisse called cutouts “painting with scissors”. Although the cutouts he made were two dimensional, the use of negative space created a sense of movement and dimension. Perhaps here I was able to “paint with the jewelers saw” to visually express human attachment with shapes that are layered, textured, have empty space and are dappled with gemstone and gold foil. I also envision these cutout style pieces working together with the solidity of the Organic Form Collection. The Signature Form charms will style beautifully with the link cutout necklaces and bracelets and I suggest you consider pairing them together for a sculptural art jewelry look.

Secure Attachment is a crucial step in human development allowing us to live fully. For many people finding secure attachments is a lifelong journey. With this collection I am promoting mental health and well being by giving back 10% of all collection purchases to NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.