Slow: Eleven Women and 400 Daisies

"I consider myself a sensitive engineer, a neurologically challenged mathematician, and an artistic scientist, among other things." —Ted Noten, 2021

Ted Noten is best known for conceptual jewelry that reflects his humor, rebellious nature, and interest in contemporary philosophical, social, and aesthetic issues. Provoking and perplexing, his work is sometimes situational, often taking the form of installation art or theater. These mise-en-scènes, however outrageous, always contain exquisite elements of finely crafted jewelry.

It is important to Noten to use the technologies of our time to create truly contemporary objects. The bust is designed using 3D software and created with 3D printing. In order to gain the smooth surface, the sculpture was heavily polished, and gold plated afterward.

Inspired by the women of The Mint Museum Auxiliary, the basis of the head comes from Grace Kelly and the other parts are a composite of 11 iconic American women: Lucille Ball, Ava Gardner, Mia Hamm, Grace Kelly, Annie Leibovitz, Michelle Obama, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Oprah, Rosa Parks, Condoleezza Rice, and Rosie the Riveter.

Covering the bust are daisies created with a 3D printer and attached with magnets. Removed periodically, the individual daisies function as brooches and are given to members of The Mint Museum Auxiliary to honor their service to the organization.