Necklace c. 20th century

This necklace was made by a Navajo, or Diné, artist using beads and other materials. Look at the way the beads and stones are strung together. The colors and textures of the stones, with their varying shades of green and turquoise, remind me of a landscape. The whole piece hangs in a cascade of tiny, carefully placed components, which is kind of like how I build up layers of paint in my own work, each stroke or dab contributing to the overall effect. The little spots of orange-red coral here and there create a rhythm of visual excitement that really makes the greens pop. The long pendant at the bottom brings the whole thing together, providing a sense of balance and completeness. It reminds me of a piece by Sheila Hicks, in the way it plays with texture and color, bringing together a range of tactile and visual sensations. It shows you how the language of art connects across time and materials, constantly echoing and reinterpreting itself.