Zeitgebers Pendant, Spring 2011
Materials: Sterling silver, peridot stones, watch,
Processes: Hydraulic press, piercing, riveting, patination, bezel and tube setting
Concept: I feel as though my body’s biological clock in non-existent. I can adapt my sleep pattern easily to very different schedules every day if necessary with different wake up times, different lengths of sleep, different bedtimes. Yet if it didn't make me feel guilty for wasting time, I could easily sleep 12 hours everyday. I have explored this curiosity and found that our body clocks are controlled by two pinhead-sized structures in the brain called the “suprachiasmatic nucleus“ or SCN for short. The SCN is located where the optical nerves cross and hold a combined total of 20000 neurons. These structures relay messages throughout the brain setting our individual circadian rhythms and controlling body functions related to sleep. Our body clock can be influenced by external factors such as meal times or simply by setting an alarm. These clues are called zeitgebers – German for “time givers”. .
In this pendant I have represented the SCN with 2 peridot stones for their green colour, a colour I associate with electricity, which is therefore well suited to brain activity. The stones are located between to eye shaped cutouts that reveal a layer of neurons by which messages are communicated in the brain. Set among the neurons is a functional clock. The piece is orientated so that only the wearer can properly read the clock and the lid shields the view from others. This interaction suits the individual nature of circadian rhythms.
Materials: Sterling silver, peridot stones, watch,
Processes: Hydraulic press, piercing, riveting, patination, bezel and tube setting
Concept: I feel as though my body’s biological clock in non-existent. I can adapt my sleep pattern easily to very different schedules every day if necessary with different wake up times, different lengths of sleep, different bedtimes. Yet if it didn't make me feel guilty for wasting time, I could easily sleep 12 hours everyday. I have explored this curiosity and found that our body clocks are controlled by two pinhead-sized structures in the brain called the “suprachiasmatic nucleus“ or SCN for short. The SCN is located where the optical nerves cross and hold a combined total of 20000 neurons. These structures relay messages throughout the brain setting our individual circadian rhythms and controlling body functions related to sleep. Our body clock can be influenced by external factors such as meal times or simply by setting an alarm. These clues are called zeitgebers – German for “time givers”. .
In this pendant I have represented the SCN with 2 peridot stones for their green colour, a colour I associate with electricity, which is therefore well suited to brain activity. The stones are located between to eye shaped cutouts that reveal a layer of neurons by which messages are communicated in the brain. Set among the neurons is a functional clock. The piece is orientated so that only the wearer can properly read the clock and the lid shields the view from others. This interaction suits the individual nature of circadian rhythms.