Two Times Elliott explain Charmed, the conceptual project fuelled by experience and expression

At the beginning of the year, we initiated a series of design investigations into the symbolic potential of charm bracelets. We aim to continually discover new avenues for expression within our practice, so while the project draws upon art direction, speculative design, jewellery design and identity design – we aren’t overly concerned with categorising the work. The exchanges between these various disciplines are more compelling; hence we maintain an open and inquisitive mindset.

In recent times our society has experienced a succession of profound shifts. The turmoil felt by many throughout the pandemic, Continued political instabilities, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the inequity brought on by unnerving economic inflation – are all collective emotional realities that we seek to address through creativity. In this way, design is not only commercial but discursive; it connects with the lived experiences of our audience.

The charms represent a distinct emotional or psychological state we have felt over the past year. Thinking symbolically, we use a simile to name each piece, with the first two being titled ‘Fear is a Spiral’ and ‘Joy is Pure.’ Through cues in their form and materiality, we have drawn associations between the objects and that particular feeling.

Our ‘Joy’ charm embodies the silhouette of a round, beaming sun – finished in an alluring aquamarine porcelain. This object reminds its wearer of the sense of hope and positivity that is renewed daily by sunrise. Its chain is semi-translucent and graduates in colour between deep reds and ambers. This unconventional material choice speaks to the sense of play and spontaneity associated with the feeling of Joy.