placuna plata o3

20” x 16” . |. S O L D | 2 0 1 7

This is composed of Placuna placenta oyster shells which have been used for thousands of years in the Philippines as a glass substitute because of their durability and translucency. I cut the under layer of shells into 4 sections then burned the edges to reveal a delicate warm silver patina before layering them with uncut unburned shells. This piece was assembled in a grid pattern and siliconed to a 1/2” thick acrylic panel housed in a 2” deep birch box frame. Each shell’s surface texture, organic color markings, burn lines, and metallic sheen are highlighted as they appear to float above their birch base. These shells LOVE being next to nature window light or hung under a delicate spotlight!