OCD: A Poetic Brooch

An Angelic Tribute to Neil Hilborn's Poem

Luyi Sun's brooch, aptly named "OCD", is a stunning piece of jewelry that pays homage to Neil Hilborn's powerful poem. The poem, which delves into the impact of falling in love on someone with OCD, struck a chord with Sun, evoking a deep sense of emotion.

For this design, Sun conducted extensive research on OCD, discovering that many patients have a tendency to obsess over aligning and arranging things perfectly. Drawing from this insight, she chose the square shape to represent this compulsion. The silver petals on the right side of the brooch are meticulously arranged to resemble an angelic figure, symbolizing the girl from Hilborn's poem.

What sets this brooch apart is its composition. The tilted and dangling squares capture the raw emotion of heartbreak and hopelessness when someone important leaves. Sun intentionally left cuts and marks on the silver squares, symbolizing the wounded feeling conveyed in the poem.

The brooch is made primarily from sterling silver, with thin copper sheets fused onto the silver without the use of solder. This technique creates a unique texture and visual effect, adding depth and dimension to the piece. Sun spent considerable time perfecting the balance between geometric and organic shapes, resulting in a brooch that is visually captivating.

Designed to be worn close to the heart, the "OCD" brooch invites interaction with those who resonate with its message of brokenness and woundedness. It can also be displayed as a three-dimensional wall piece, further showcasing its artistic value.

The "OCD" brooch was conceptualized and realized by Luyi Sun in February 2016 at the California College of the Arts in Oakland. Sun's meticulous attention to detail and her ability to overcome technical challenges, such as fusing copper onto silver sheets, demonstrate her dedication to her craft.

This exceptional design has been recognized with the Bronze A' Design Award in the Jewelry, Eyewear, and Watch Design category. This prestigious award celebrates designs that exhibit outstanding creativity and resourcefulness, incorporating best practices in art, science, design, and technology. The "OCD" brooch is a testament to Sun's technical and creative skills, contributing to the improvement of quality of life through wearable art.