Lenka's Way of LaceGenoese Scallop Large Necklace
Posted on February 22, 2014
Genoese Scallop Collection is inspired by bold and beautiful patterns of the Genoese laces.
Lace made in Genoa was very popular in the Renaissance fashion. Wide scalloped patterns were firmly rooted in a sacred geometry of the early Renaissance, which gave them a mysterious strength and rare beauty. This was lace of choice for the famous standing and falling collars that supported many royal heads of the European courts of the 17th century.
Genoese lace is uniquely suited for original lace jewellery. The patterns, which did not loose any of their magic and still evoke a regal connection, bestow the quality of one-of-a-kind heirloom.
Material: Fine silver with garnet beads
Genoese Scallop Large Necklace
In private lace collection.
Copyright © 2014 Lenka Suchanek. All rights reserved.
Venetian Necklaces
Posted on February 22, 2014
Venetian Plaited Lace is one of the earliest handmade bobbin lace techniques, with origins dating back to the 16th century. Surviving books of patterns document early stages of the craft, and show the ingenuity of the first designers. With just a few pairs of bobbins they were able to create lace edgings of impressive variety and lasting beauty.
“Creative spirit is inherent in lace techniques – in that respect, lace is truly a daughter of the Renaissance.”
Venetian lace is an ideal technique for metal medium. Original patterns can be used as they are, without any adjustment. They are suitable for beginners, but they offer a lot of inspiration to the advanced lacemakers as well. We are lucky to have access to a wonderful book of early Venetian lace patterns, “Le Pompe”, which was originally published in Venice in year 1559 (facsimile with introduction by Santina M. Levey, technical section by Patricia C. Payne, drawings by Bridget M. Cook, 1983). Many patterns for my necklaces come from there.
Venetian Spires Necklace
Material: Fine silver with shell beads, silk ribbon
Venetian Necklace
Venetian Choker
Material: Blue-enamelled copper, glass seed beads, silk ribbon
Venetian Choker
Photography: Kenji Nagai
Copyright © 2014 Lenka Suchanek. All rights reserved.
Black Chantilly Mask
Posted on February 22, 2014
Traditional Chantilly lace designs are the embodiment of delicacy, refinement and beauty. Black, subtly shaded, adds sensuality. It is a perfect lace for masks.
Material: Enamelled copper
Black Chantilly Mask
Photography: Kenji Nagai
Copyright © 2014 Lenka Suchanek. All rights reserved.
Jewel in the Lotus
Posted on February 12, 2014
Transparent Lace Sculpture
Materials: Bronze and copper (patinated, enamelled or gold plated) with turquoise and carnelian
Techniques: Milanese braids, free-form lace, beading, wire wrapping
65cm x 65cm x 18cm
Copyright © 2014 Lenka Suchanek. All rights reserved.
Bobbin Lace Technique
Posted on February 12, 2014
Bobbin Lace is an off-loom weaving technique worked on a lacemaking pillow. Threads (wires), each wound on its own bobbin, are crossed and twisted in a specific sequence to create open weave patterns. Work is secured by pins, which serve mainly as an anchor points for tensioning, and are removed when no longer needed. Finished lace made in wire is strong and sturdy and can be mounted flat on a background or shaped into three-dimensional forms. Basic steps of the process are:
- Drawing and drafting the patterns
- Preparing a pricking (work template)
- Winding thread (wire) on bobbins
- Making lace
- Finishing (using metalworking techniques)
Divine Beauty
Posted on February 12, 2014
Divine Beauty
A Tribute to Sandro Botticelli
Materials: copper and bronze – enamelled, patinated or gold plated; amber, fresh water pearls and crystal beads
Techniques: free form bobbin lace, point ground, braiding, beading
81cm x 69cm
This work was created for the International Lace Competition of the 14th Edition of the Biennale Internazionale del Merletto in Sansepolcro, Italy, 2010. It is now in the Centro Culturale Sansepolcro’s International Lace Biennial Collection.
Artist’s statement:
Sandro Botticelli’s art has significantly influenced my work. He was one of the first artists to paint gold lace decoration on garments; therefore his paintings are invaluable for my research of early metal laces. Lace was painted in such exquisite technique, that it is possible to trace many original patterns of braided laces in a minute detail. I haven’t found any written records about gold bobbin lace from that time, thus Botticelli’s work has remained the essential source for my lace work.
I fell in love with his paintings not only because of lace. I have also found great inspiration in the way Botticelli portrayed women in his paintings. His ability to capture female inner beauty and strength is awe-inspiring. Loving and compassionate gaze of his Madonnas and goddesses reveals deep spiritual dimension with radiance that has not been surpassed by any other painter. Botticelli’s genius gave a visual form to Dante’s poetry – Beatrice became alive in his paintings and brought Divine Love to the Earth.
I have been inspired to create an original lace work that celebrate women in Botticelli’s paintings. I borrowed a breast shield from Camilla (Minerva), wreath of flowers from Primavera, braids from Simonetta, pose from Venus and aura from Madonna – and interwove them in a lace picture. “Divine Beauty” is my tribute to the great master of the Italian Renaissance, Sandro Botticelli.”
Copyright © 2014 Lenka Suchanek. All rights reserved.
Silver Lotus Amulets
Posted on January 29, 2014
Om Mani Padme Hum
Copyright © 2014 Lenka Suchanek. All rights reserved.
