“Libidine”, which is the Latin translation of “Violent Desire” is a 7″x7″x8″ full scale Hoplophoneus skull constructed out of 3 lbs of solid 14k gold (100% recycled gold) and then plated in 24k gold to ensure its luster. The fangs were modeled after the Gherkin building and are set with yellow diamonds (638 stones, 16 carats) while cognac diamonds (360 stones, 10.5 carats) and rubies (1,058 stones, 31 carats) are spiraling in opposite directions. Though the smaller teeth are still solid gold they’ve been plated in rhodium to achieve the brightest finish and not be drowned out by the exaggerated K9′s. Choosing the skull of an animal that was once a powerful beast that is now extinct was the best way to symbolize the message being implied… One with excessive wealth and/or greed but without charity will eminently self destruct. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Hands For Africa, a charity that makes prosthetic limbs for those who are affected by the brutality and corruption of the diamond trade.
gradient on animal / polyurethane resin / December 2011
Metallic Mechanitis butterfly chrysalis