HoMA Shop: Diane Hennelly Pop-Up

For Mother’s Day, treat the mother figure in your life to a special day at the Museum, which includes a special pop-up by Hawai‘i artist Diane Hennelly. Explore her new collection of ceramic jewelry that features graceful manta rays. An experienced diver with a degree in environmental science, Hennelly is inspired by the life she observes and photographs in the ocean. The mantas are created with black porcelain, which makes by mixing mason stain (finely ground metal oxides) into white clay, effectively making it a dark charcoal color, reminiscent of lava.

This collection also includes necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets texturized with sea urchin shells, cowrie shells, coral (broken pieces found on the beach), and the inside of cone snail shells. Diane never takes shells that that are inhabited, whether the original occupant or a secondary renter like a hermit crab.

Diane on the evolution of her jewelry:
When I started making ceramic jewelry my first question was, “what do I want to wear?” It was important that the pieces could survive an active lifestyle of snorkeling, diving, hiking, and generally enjoying the islands. I have sensitive ears, so the 14K gold-fill posts were a must. They also had to be lightweight; if I can feel the weight of the earring, I’m unlikely to keep wearing them. From there it has been a neverending game of exploration, learning, and trial and error. My style has continued to evolve over the years. I think that is one of my favorite things about working in clay: there is always something new to learn, something new to try, and something new to invoke inspiration.