Sungrown is part of the California Collection series — a series that employs post consumer materials to make commentary on California’s dual identity as a leader in the green design movement and as an ultimate example of consumer culture. Three bracelets displayed in a custom made wooden fruit crate.

Recycled tin containers, 10k gold rivets, aluminum rivets. 

Dimensions of fruit crate: 8 11/16” H x 18 1/8” W x 9 ”D

Dimensions of fruit crate label: 8” H X 17 7/16” W X 1 1/2”D

Available for purchase or exhibition

The “SUNGROWN” lettering floats above the label about 1" out from the crate. In the photo below you can see the dimensional aspect of the label. 

The SUN-GROWN fruit crate label was the inspiration for my 3-dimensional version constructed from recycled tin cans.

These bracelets and the fruit label are part of a new series of work constructed from recycled tin cans, cut and riveted with layers of images and symbolism of California. The reuse of post-consumer material reflects California as both the ultimate consumer culture and the leader in the recycling movement and green design.  

The fruit crate symbolically represents the historic fertility of California’s valleys bountiful with fruits and vegetables. Orchards once covered Silicon Valley, which now blooms with inventions and enterprising ventures. The bracelets symbolize the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of California . California exports ideas as well as products from its fertile valleys.

Sungrown bracelets are symbols of California fruits, vegetables and products of California. The three bracelets are "Sunflowers," "Vegetable," and "Sun-Maid Raisins.”

A close up view of the back and front of the “Sunmaid Raisins” bracelet.

The “Vegetable” Bracelet reveals the layers of tin cans and the details of the bracelets. The patterns of the tins become eclectic collection of images.

When looking down at the fruit crate, you can see behind the layers of the fruit crate label.

© Harriete Estel Berman 2010