Jen Tiger, artist
By Order of the Governor of the State of New Mexico, 2020
Mixed-media/jewelry

Curious about the adaptation of jewelry that is specifically worn by Osage women in the past and present, my creative practice draws upon Osage worldviews and history. I reinforce the connection to my history through jewelry. I explore Osage concepts of duality and symbolism translating some of these ideas into my work.

The materials I use are sterling silver, copper, enamel, bison horn and hair, fabricating each piece by hand. At times I will sketch out abstract symbols to create a piece, other times my process is more intuitive, letting my ancestors guide me.

This collage of brooches represents work made in the Spring semester 2020, the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, through the Fall 2020 semester. Some pieces are incomplete due to the ongoing campus closure of its studios, other pieces are made from repurposed materials I had on hand while we were issued “stay-at-home” orders by the Governor of New Mexico.