The Heart of Art: Formerly Forever Diamond

seriesA sculptural, formerly forever diamond crafted from salvaged wood.

Artist Ron van der Ende’s extraordinary depiction of the diamond given to Elizabeth Taylor by Richard Burton in 1969 is oddly apropos considering Taylor’s recent passing. Taylor was inarguably the epitome of “diamonds are a girl’s best friend.”

In 2009, van der Ende used reclaimed timber to build the bas-relief sculpture (image above), entitled Taylor-Burton after the real diamond. It appears three dimensional but actually lies almost flat on the wall. Van der Ende didn’t paint any of the found wood, but painstakingly placed each piece like a mosaic.

The actual 68 carat Taylor-Burton diamond probably inspired awe and envy in many women at that time while today, our evolving values and raised consciousness might just provoke in us a sense of disdain for such excess. For example, the Taylor-Burton diamond, mined in South Africa, is considered conflict rather than forever.

To wit, on the back of van der Ende’s sculpture he pasted an image of a South African diamond mine worker (image below).

A sobering contrast to the high profile jewelry boutique you find the mined rocks in.

Editor’s note: This is the latest installment of Kim Derby’s new art series at EcoSalon, The Heart of Art. We heart art, and there’s nothing nicer than a midday dose to offer a moment of contemplation.