Gushue recreates lapidary patterns in 3D software, meticulously designing and modeling the gemstone shapes, facets, and contours. These 3D models are then digitally flattened and printed onto high-quality paper. The printed patterns serve as the canvas for colouring, where coloured pencils are used to add hues and textures. After colouring, the patterns are carefully cut along designated outlines, scored to facilitate precise folding, and then folded using various techniques. The result is a collection of intricate paper gemstones that capture the desired aesthetics of traditional gemstones while challenging the medium and engaging viewers in a unique artistic experience.
The Flatpack Gemstone collection offers a unique perspective on the relationship between jewelry and boxes. While jewelry is traditionally packaged, stored, and displayed in boxes, these paper gemstones challenge that convention. Through folding techniques, they transform the paper into intricate three-dimensional objects. By reimagining the concept of a box, the collection blurs the boundaries between flatness and dimensionality. It invites viewers to question the traditional role of boxes in defining and containing jewelry, sparking a dialogue about the essence of value, presentation, and the transformative potential of materials.
