Hey! How ya doin’! My name’s Andre Lebone and welcome to my first official “The Jeweler’s Raffle” of 2024! This event will take place from July 10th to July 17th (#my birthday) with the Winner being decided on the 19th!
I made this raffle because I feel the best way to openly celebrate my birthday and comings of age is with my community with a mission to give back and fill the cups of those who have poured into mine. Right now I’m pretty keen on creating a space for interaction and engagement!
Grow ya Backyard! Reimburse the Culture! These Raffles Im throwin’ together will benefit me as an Independent Artist by funding my production, materials, process, and overall ability to create art without concern of any paywall. These Raffles will also be an opportunity presented to everybody to not only have a chance at winning one of my pieces but to support my donation to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) of which 50% of the earnings will go towards.
To be transparent, i recognize this project has a large pocket for growth and a self made platform that can be used to amplify my thoughts and opinions and the voices of all communities under siege. So when I say I have high hopes I mean I hope that with a lot of love, support, and self-determination projects like these can become deeply impactful & helpful conversational points for the People.o
If ya got any commissions, inquiries, or issues reach me at @andre_lebone on Instagram & [email protected]!
This piece is a weighted stainless steel chain adorned by a Glass and Lead-Free Solder pendant. The “bail” of the necklace is decorated by the symbol of a Fleur de lis, the “establishment” of the pendant is inspired by black gospel architecture and is decorated with the wire bent words “FREE Palestine”, finally the centerpiece is a glass figurine of an African American holding two select symbols of the Palestinian struggle, a Watermelon and Key.
The pendant measures at a width of 2 3/4 inches, a height of 4 1/2 inches, and a depth of 1 1/2 inch. The chain itself measures at a length of 13 inches *Can be adjusted if need be*
When I decided I wanted to do a raffle my first couple thoughts were “just make something cool” and I think that stinks. Tell you why, when I wear my jewelry I want something I can talk about, that other people can talk about, that can strike conversation for people, something important. So I entered this project with every means of intentionality and close attention.
Solidarity seemed the most comfortable and creative space. I know Louisianans, specifically New Orlean’s Katrina babies and survivors, who have been vocal about the Palestinian Genocide felt heart strings when they saw folk turn refugees in their country in screens that labeled them criminals.
I believe a shared culture is a forever culture that carries the legacy of different oppressed peoples and strengthens the individual bonds of those communities. So when I made a Glass figurine of a Black man holding a watermelon and offering a key, I made a figurine of a Black Man adopting their Culture and offering solidarity to their struggle.
