"i refuse" means what?

Figure 1 - Mbeje A. 2020. "i refuse". Platinum Piercing 

I had a lot of word phrases that could have been used for this jewellery piece like "i believe"and "i resist", but I choose to use "i refuse". 

The reason why I decided to use "i refuse" on my PlatAfica bangle, I was busy doing research on Zakes Bantwini's career, I came across this quote from Israelmore Ayivor “Refuse to become a victim of your circumstances and give a lift to your potentials each and every day against the wish of any obstacle you encounter!”, after reading this quote I was able to understand his tribulations that he had to face in order to achieve in his career and goals as a musician, from having a child at the age of 14 years.

Despite facing the challenges of being a teenage father and also have to matriculate in high school. He had to refuse, resist, and believe. 

PlatAfrica - “i refuse” Bangle

 

“i refuse” Bangle

Figure 1 - Mbeje A. 2020 “i refuse” Bangle. Silver frame, HDPE Plastic (Red and Black), Platinum Pattern  

My 2020 PlatAfica jewellery piece was made from all of the prototype models that I developed. My design hook helped me to learn different techniques of assembling this bangle as seen in figure 1 as a multifaceted jewellery piece. The bangle was made with 80% recycled Plastic Red and Black (HDPE Cola-Cola caps) and 10% of Silver and 10% platinum.

Figure 2 - Mbeje A. 2020 “i refuse” Bangle. Silver frame, HDPE Plastic (Red and Black), Platinum Clasper Piercing  

My bangle design was inspired by DNA structure patterns, which are used as a fundamental of portraying Zakes Bantwini’ career. The word phase of “i refuse” as seen in figure 2. I look up to him as a musician DNA of South Africa due to the successful career that he has achieved in music.  The word phase of “i refuse” on the bangle clasper should be worn by every man in the society, who want to have positive energy in their career. 

PlatAfrica - 3 Prototype Model Development

Corner edge Bangle

Figure 1 - Mbeje A. 2020. Corner edge Bangle. Plastic HPDE and Silver frame

 Figure 2 - Mbeje A. 2020. Corner edge Bangle. Plastic HPDE and Silver frame and pattern 

  

The inspiration for the prototype in figure 1 was derived from the Cushion shape and Knife-edge bangle. The silver frames also part of the inspiration that is used in the platinum pattern as seen in figure 2. The frame corners and patterns are there to create balance, and proportion on the bangle. The Black (HDPE) plastic was used to create contrast on the platinum pattern and also reduce the amount of contrast from the Red (HDPE) plastic.

 

PlatAfrica - 2 Prototype Model Development

Knife-edge Bangle

These are the separated pieces of the Knife-edge Bangle that will be assembled for the bangle. The separated pieces of the bangle will be riveted together as seen in figure 2.

Figure 1 - Mbeje A. 2020. Knife-edge Bangle. Plastic HPDE and Silver frame

The design of this prototype was inspired by the geometric tapered edges. The silver frame was oxidized to enhance an antique look on the bangle as seen in figure 1.

Figure 2 - Mbeje A. 2020. Knife-edge Bangle. Plastic HPDE and Silver frame

 

PlatAfrica - 1 Prototype Model Development

Cushion shape Bangle

Figure 1 - Mbeje A. 2020. HDPE Plastic 

How to bend  High-density polyethylene (HDPE) into a cushion shape by using a candle, and dome punches to create a curve on the edges

Figure 2 - Mbeje A. 2020. Cushion shape Bangle. Dome punch and candle

Cushion shape bangle 

Figure 3 - Mbeje A. 2020. Plastic Bangle. HPDE and Silver frame

Silver frames on top of HPDE 

 Figure 4 - Mbeje A. 2020. Cushion shape Bangle. Plastic HPDE and Silver frame

PlatAfrica 2020 Competition - Bangle for Men

Design Rendering 

Figure 2 - Mbeje A. 2020. DNA bangle Inspiration, Silver frame, HDPE (Red and Black), and Platinum pattern

Figure 3 - Mbeje A. 2020. DNA bangle rendering, Silver frame, HDPE (Red and Black), and Platinum pattern

Figure 2 - Mbeje A. 2020. DNA bangle rendering, Silver frame, HDPE (Red and Black), and Platinum pattern

My design was inspired by DNA structure patterns. The fundamental of using these design patterns are part of what my role model, he is in the music industry of South Africa. His name is Zakes Bantwini. I look at him as a musician DNA, due to his successful career in music.