I crafted a circlet veil that is inspired by medieval based media such as Dark souls, Elden Ring, and Lord of the Rings. I looked to these materials as well as coifs to develop a piece that was both aesthetically pleasing and contextually relevant to today. Truth UnVeiled was born from a need to protect myself and my eyes from the overwhelming weight of the world. As I worked toward my BFA show, I found myself constantly absorbing news, images, and stories that chipped away at my faith in humanity, especially surrounding women' s issues. The veil works tirelessly in trying to deflect the constant horrors in the world and allow me to focus on what truly matters instead.It functions as both protection and reflection. 

At the same time, the work comments on the idea of protection within marriage. Traditionally, veils have shielded the bride physically, emotionally, and symbolically. My version challenges and reclaims that gesture, suggesting that true protection comes from within. The inscription on the inside of the veil reads, “I am the bearer of my own salvation, but courage is my greatest protection,” reminding me that my resilience and conviction is already inside.

Constructed from brass, the circlet is a decorative band that sits across my forehead, featuring a rose at its center and butterfly wings extending at each temple. These feminine symbols of transformation and beauty are set against the hard truth of metal. The piece is tied with a red ribbon and draped with a red wedding veil and brass chains with blood-colored beads that frame the face like delicate armor. Red as a color choice is representative of femininity, blood, passion, and anger. This holds the tension between beauty and pain, fragility and strength, romance and resistance.

The process was both meticulous and meditative. I began by creating a cardboard template, then hand sawed the brass with a 4-ought blade, cutting every small opening by hand. The rose and butterfly wings were sweat soldered onto the band, and the entire piece was formed to fit the contours of my head. A patina was applied to match the brass of the chains, and I engraved details and text using a diamond grinder to finish. Each step demanded precision, patience, and endurance, echoing the meaning of this piece. 

Truth UnVeiled stands as both armor and ornament, balancing beauty and burden. It is a reminder to remain true to oneself amid the world’s chaos and to focus on the things that matter most.