I Make Early Astrological Instruments From Porcelain And Gold

Across cultures and time people have treasured different objects from which to gain understanding about life, the world, and the mysteries beyond it.

Tarot cards were crafted in the 15th century with illustrations representing various characters, forces, vices, and virtues to explore questions about the self and one’s path in life. That is where I began my work with porcelain – creating decks of tarot cards finished with gold. Though it appears fine and delicate, porcelain is considered one of the strongest and most durable ceramic materials, capable of surviving for thousands of years. Gold is an earthly element once believed by alchemists to represent human renewal and heightened alignment of the mind, spirit, and soul.

Some might consider tarot cards a tool, others a guide, others a source of wonder. For me, making tarot cards from porcelain and liquid gold is a way to help the meaning they hold withstand the passing of time. I became curious about other objects throughout history with which people asked questions – about their place in the world and, perhaps, in the galaxy beyond that. Objects that may have been forgotten but that certainly should not be lost.

The word ‘astrolabe’ comes from the Greek meaning ‘star holder.’ It is an early observational and navigation instrument using astral bodies like the sun and stars to measure time, positions, and celestial events. The volvelle is the astrolabe’s early cousin, created to calculate phases of the sun and moon in the zodiac. Utilized by mystic philosophers and medieval astronomers, the volvelle was said to contain ‘secret’ knowledge with the potential to predict the future.

My version of the volvelle is made of five spinning parts: the base compass, the zodiac disc, the sun disc, the moon disc, and the pointer connected by a central pivot. Together, the discs convey different bits of information – like the positions of constellations in the sky, the lunar phase in a given night, the distance of the sun above the horizon in a given day, and the solar time using the moon’s shadow. Each instrument was unique to its maker, and mine has quirks of its own. I can’t claim to know the future, but I’m happy to put the pieces together, look to the stars, and give it a spin.

Looking up and wondering about the night sky is an experience shared by people throughout all times and all places. Today, we may have a better idea of what exists beyond us than those who came before us. But I hope and I believe there will be always be questions to be asked and new meaning to be found.

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Across cultures and time people have treasured different objects from which to gain understanding about life, the world, and the mysteries beyond it.

Tarot cards were crafted in the 15th century with illustrations representing various characters, forces, vices, and virtues to explore questions about the self and one’s path in life. That is where I began my work with porcelain – creating decks of tarot cards finished with gold.

Though it appears fine and delicate, porcelain is considered one of the strongest and most durable ceramic materials, capable of surviving for thousands of years. Gold is an earthly element once believed by alchemists to represent human renewal and heightened alignment of the mind, spirit, and soul.

Some might consider tarot cards a tool, others a guide, others a source of wonder. For me, making tarot cards from porcelain and liquid gold is a way to help the meaning they hold withstand the passing of time.

I became curious about other objects throughout history with which people asked questions – about their place in the world and, perhaps, in the galaxy beyond that. Objects that may have been forgotten but that certainly should not be lost.

The word ‘astrolabe’ comes from the Greek meaning ‘star holder.’ It is an early observational and navigation instrument using astral bodies like the sun and stars to measure time, positions, and celestial events.

The volvelle is the astrolabe’s early cousin, created to calculate phases of the sun and moon in the zodiac. Utilized by mystic philosophers and medieval astronomers, the volvelle was said to contain ‘secret’ knowledge with the potential to predict the future.

My version of the volvelle is made of five spinning parts: the base compass, the zodiac disc, the sun disc, the moon disc, and the pointer connected by a central pivot.

Together, the discs convey different bits of information – like the positions of constellations in the sky, the lunar phase in a given night, the distance of the sun above the horizon in a given day, and the solar time using the moon’s shadow.

Each instrument was unique to its maker, and mine has quirks of its own. I can’t claim to know the future, but I’m happy to put the pieces together, look to the stars, and give it a spin.

Looking up and wondering about the night sky is an experience shared by people throughout all times and all places. Today, we may have a better idea of what exists beyond us than those who came before us. But I hope and I believe there will be always be questions to be asked and new meaning to be found.

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