Shell Artist

Last update 7/3/10

The owner of this house has a great passion for Sailor’s Valentines (octagonal wooden boxes containing intricate mosaics of small colourfull shell ).

It has been said that sailors, during the XIXth century,  made these Valentines whilst at sea. Then on their return home, bestowed them as gifts upon their loved ones.
 

Because many different shells are used in this room , it was important not to lose the value and beauty that each shell holds.

By taking the idea of the octagonal Valentine box I was able to frame areas

of shells, which helped draw attention to the different types of shells.

The only European shell used within this room is the common blue mussel.

The ceiling of this room is divided in two areas.  A wild grotto shelled area as you enter, and then a simple circle in the main space.  The circle is made up of many lines of shells; the idea came from the feather work of the Amazonian Indians.