Necklace c. 20th century

This necklace, made by an anonymous artist, really sings to me of process. I can see the hand in it, you know? It's this beautiful, rhythmic arrangement of turquoise, shell, and what looks like coral. The artist strung these little guys together in a way that feels both careful and kind of wild, like letting a garden grow. Look closely. See how each bead is a little different? Some are chunky, some are thin, and the colors play off each other in this unexpected way. It reminds me that artmaking, at its core, is about taking humble materials and turning them into something full of life. Someone like Sheila Hicks springs to mind, with her playful approach to fibre art. It's a generous act.