"Necklace 1 was done with copper, vitreous enamel, and sterling silver. Its length is about 600 mm and is part of a more extensive collection called Harbouring Memory which was featured in the exhibition ‘Resurfacing,’ at Olivier Cornet Gallery in August of 2020.

‘Necklace 1’ stood out to me as while it is stunning to look at physically, the purpose of the piece and the collection drew me in to call it my favourite here at the Olivier Cornet Gallery. Newman created the Harbouring Memory collection during a time of deep introspection for the artist. Newman soaks in society and contemporary events around him and produces insightful art from it. In the case of ‘Necklace 1’ and the Harbouring Memory collection, it was when he learned about the plans to modernize and redevelop the historic Bullock Harbour in Dalkey, County Dublin. Bullock Harbour was important in his childhood, so he created this stunning collection to memorialize the harbour and allow its memory to live in a different form. Fortunately, historians and the locals around Bullock Harbour successfully saved it from redevelopment; as of writing this piece, artworks like ‘Necklace 1,’ can help connect people to a person’s or location’s past. I probably wouldn’t have known about the harbour or its battle for survival as an American if it weren’t for the awareness caused by Newman’s work of art. As an artist studying Heritage Studies, I am touched by Newman’s Artist Statement and inspired by his creativity to make something gorgeous with meaning. I feel we would benefit from more artworks like this as it spreads awareness and has an impactful meaning attached to the purpose of the art. It’s what art should be, and Newman nailed it.

Without words, I knew that the appearance of ‘Necklace 1’ emphasized harbours. Newman created a work that physically emulates something you would see at a seaside harbour. The combination of the enamels, chains, and rope creates a unity where the piece feels very immersive. The aged and worn appearance of the work of art is brilliant as it honors the purpose of the artwork and creates a story alongside it. It makes me think how long the necklace could have been at Bullock harbour and what it has endured and seen in the historic place. While the work of art wasn’t at Bullock Harbour, its inspiration allows the memory of Bullock Harbour to live on as the wearer exposes it to new places. 

The emotion that ‘Necklace 1’ gives me is one of relaxation. Its teal glaze reminds me of the ocean and creates a calm atmosphere when looking at the piece of art. While the glaze is incomplete in the middle three enamels, the intentional decision creates a stunning illusion. The ends of the glaze appear white and a pinkish brown. It almost resembles waves crashing onto a beach with its seafoam onto the sands. It comes off as welcoming and soothing. The ebb and flow of rope-like patterns on each enamel gives each one personality and create a mesmerizing experience while looking at each one. I can feel Newman’s passion and love for the place and its quirk features.

‘Necklace 1’ is a piece of art where you can see the love and passion of a place visualized on a piece of jewellery. It’s a creative piece that emulates the age of Bullock Harbour and uses it to immerse us in it. As civilization develops and modernizes, we risk losing parts of our heritage, such as historic sites, and thus a portion of our history and identity. Works like ‘Necklace 1’ are essential as they serve as ambassadors of the past and reminders to protect our heritage. I am grateful to have written this piece, and I hope the necklace finds a person looking to share its message."