One of my many jobs is art director for a design studio specializing in jewelry and luxury goods. I have worked in this specific industry for 15 years, and this time of year is always a struggle for me because there is a lot to do for both that job and my art. It’s a constant juggling act to spread myself between designing catalogs and advertising for jewelry and creating art for the holiday season, and it always leaves me a bit frazzled.

Going into this piece, I wanted to create something small but impactful that spoke to where I am at currently, so I let my worlds collide a bit. I wish I had a magical jewel – a talisman to keep me energized, bring clarity to my foggy mind, and push the bad thoughts away – to reassure me that I will survive this, and go on to conquer another day. Since I do not know of such an object, I created one myself!

I chose to depict a peridot because these stones are thought to embody those supernatural qualities, and also because I love the bright cheery green. I paired it with hot pink for contrast and art nouveau styling reminiscent of vintage fantasy illustrations.