Here’s a not so secret fact; I love, love numbers. Like words, I sneak them into my art and use them as Talismans throughout my home decor and every day life. I’ve always loved numbers, but it was when I started making jewelry using the techniques I learned from Susan that I really started to understand the Talisman concept and how numbers can be archetypes and symbolism for our lives. I believe numbers that are important to us can also change with our circumstances. That we can grow into, and out of numbers, the same way our tastes changes and become more refined as we age.
For example, I used to always decorate in 3′s. Not only was it visually pleasing, but it represented my family. My husband, myself and our son. About a year before I became pregnant with our daughter, I started to see the number 4 everywhere. Intuitively, I began to incorporate it into almost every piece of art I made. Sometimes it would be a big and prominent 4, but most times it was just written in pencil and then covered up by the layers of medium and materials.
My favorite number for the past decade has been 13. I feel like it’s a lucky number and I like the thought of having a Lucky 13 in my life. The same time I began using 4 in my work, I also started taking a look at my love affair with the number 13. During my pregnancy, they were in just about everything I touched. So it wasn’t too astonishing that my miracle baby girl was born on Friday the 13th, completing my family of 4.
It’s always interesting to find other artists and creative folks who are drawn to numbers too. I almost always ask the question, “What’s your favorite number?” and then follow up their response with “Why?” The answers are just so interesting. I’d love to hear your response. Tell me, do you have a Talisman number?
