antikwa

An ode to the Earth meeting water in the vast golden desert, 'antikwa' is inspired by my new collection of pearls and dusty ancient fossils, which stands as a pivotal expression of my art. From the moment we named 'antikwa,' it was destined to be a tribal fiction bursting with natural energy and a symbolic message deeply felt through the Earth.

Beginning with three-million-year-old fossils from Madagascar, they became the catalyst to bring together a talented group of individuals. We felt the wild beauty of the ocean, studied the transitions of the sky and wind, we admired the glorious eroded cliffs and caves, and the weathered wood randomly strewn on the beach like a graveyard of bleached bones. A longtime favorite of mine - Leni Riefenstahl's magnificent portraits of the Nuba people - served as powerful inspiration for the wardrobe not to mention the countless youtube videos learning how to tie head-wraps and turbans!

When work is creative play it's easier to get lost in the action and before you know it, it's gone like a puff of a smoke bomb. This film is the final culmination, and playing a key part as shamen-ess who directs the wind and materializes jewels from dried crushed sage...well, that was an honor and the mark of a truly great time. A very big thank you again to everyone who made this film a reality.

'antikwa' is dedicated to water conservation and a way to bring attention to the many places on our planet where safe drinking water is scarce. Our connection to Earth is an important one....so join us in doing your part for caring for her.

The complete 'antikwa' 2012/13 collection can be viewed at http://www.janmichaels.com

See photos from behind the scenes:

- http://www.facebook.com/janmichaels

- http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.463830750294759.113941.172766926067811&type=3

- http://www.evakolenko.com/shooting-antikwa-a-new-collection-of-worldly-jewelry-by-jan-michaels/

Music by stellamara: http://www.stellamara.com