Darcy Aitken

I have always been interested in fantasy and history, from myths to legends, and my work tends to reflect that. I never thought I would focus on jewellery as a subject of learning; however, here I am, creating large wearable accessories.

The series here features my armor, which has been made, remade, and altered many times as I learn new skills and designs. I quite enjoy working in leather and each panel is different from the last. Some have scars that have healed over, while others still bear marks from a branding iron. These are signs and symbols of life in the country. I like to make sure that after the butcher has gleaned every part they can, I then use the skin of the animal in my own creative way.

My work incorporates symbols and iconography inspired by Norse and Germanic cultures and I used entities like Jormungandr and the Lindworm. I have inscribed some pieces in runes, some have direct translations, while others represent the meanings of the individual runes themselves.