Behind the brooch

[Lorena Angulo]

I have always thought that the back of any jewelry piece is as important as the front. I always try to have something on the back of my pieces as a surprise for the wearer and also because I think it says a lot about the maker.

Most of the work I do has a detail on the back, I enjoy very much doing it.

CRUZ PASION (front and back view) ©2011 Lorena Angulo Pure silver (PMC3), sterling and LOS patina

Soulful Heart (front and back view) ©2011 Lorena Angulo Bronzclay, brass and coral

MILAGRO HEART pendant (front and back view) ©2010 Lorena Angulo Pure Silver (PMC3) and LOS patina

CORAZON (front and back view) ©2009 Lorena Angulo Brass and copper

Lately I started making brooches but I was very curious to see how other artists where making their pin backs and the back of their designs. I looked for inspiration everywhere but it was very hard to find images of the back side of the brooches.

Because I had a difficult time finding images of the back view of brooches I started thinking it will be great if I can create a collection of images from other artists as an inspirational tool.

I finally did it in my Pinterest page, I created a board about the back view of brooches called "Behind the brooch."

Come and take a look at the wonderful work by these artists. I am sure you will find it very interesting and helpful.

I took a class with the talented Gary Schott at Southwest School of Art and I learned how to make my first pin back with him. It was fun and I know I have to practice much more to feel more comfortable making my own pin backs and also start thinking of different ways I can design my own.

Back view of my first time making a pin back. ©2011 Lorena Angulo Copper and steel wire

I also work a lot with metal clay and took the challenge to make my own pin back and pendant finding for my piece.

Back view of my first brooch/pendant combo in pure silver (PMC3) ©2011 Lorena Angulo

How do you approach the design of your work ? Do you do something special for the back side? I will love to find out what your ideas about this topic are and if you want me to share an image of your back view of a brooch, let me know and I will add it to my board.

Love,

Lorena Angulo

[Sophia Georgiopoulou]

The back of a brooch should be as important or, perhaps, even more important than the front. It might function as a continuation of the theme in front, as an antithesis, as an inquiry or as a conclusion. On a narrative brooch, it is interesting to have the themes wrap around the sides of the brooch, unraveling the story.

The relationship between the front and the back of a brooch should make the brooch an autonomous entity that speaks for itself.

[Lorena Angulo]

Agree, it is very important to take as much time to create a beautiful back detail as the time spent in the front. 
I get sad when I see Gorgeous work but as soon as I turn them around it is such a disappointment, not only because the back is not appealing but some times I also see very bad craftsmanship. The back is as important as the front.    

[Kimberly Nogueira]

i'm always happily surprised when i see post earrings (non-dangly) made with attention to detail on the backs, like fretwork scrolls, and equally delighted when the ear nut has this detail!

[Brigitte Martin]

This is taking the backside idea a step further. Brooch by Nicole J...

I think this is very smart.

[Brigitte Martin]

This is a fascinating topic, Lorena. And thanks for the comment Inbar. I feel the same way.

I do show the backs of brooches here on crafthaus if it is warranted. I am happy to say that there are a great number of artists who aim to make the backs of their work compelling. It is almost like a little insider-secret, only apparent to those who actually bother to give the work more than just a cursory glance.

Here is a small selection.  Enjoy!