Video clip: The opening title sequence from Love Actually, 2003, Written and directed by Richard Curtis, Voice of Hugh Grant |
Words: "Whenever I get gloomy... with the state of the world, l think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow airport. General opinion makes that we live in a world of hatred and greed... but I don't see that. Seems to me that love is everywhere. Often it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy but it's always there. Fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, none of the phone calls from people on board were messages of hate or revenge, they were all messages of love. lf you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around."
LINDA MACNEIL Heart Series
“For me, the heart symbolizes the enduring presence of love, especially during challenging times.”
As an artist and jewelry designer, Linda has always believed in the power of art to convey messages of hope and unity. That is what she aims to do with this collection. In a world at war and seemingly overrun with hatred and greed, Linda found herself compelled to create something that stands as a testament to the resilience of love.
Linda’s latest work is a series of heart necklaces and cuff links that she has been working on over the past year. Some of their elements originated from commission from a couple who want to explore the idea of a necklace made of two halves of one heart (sketches below). From there evolved a deeper study of the form and its meaning in our world today.
These heart necklaces, distinctively MacNeil with their geometric elements, symmetry and asymmetry, were born out of a deep reflection on the current state of our world.
“There's a line from the film "Love Actually" that resonates deeply with me: "Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow airport... it seems to me that love is everywhere." This sentiment echoes the core inspiration behind my collection.”
Against the backdrop of war in the news daily, this series is more than just jewelry; the series is a narrative of love's unyielding strength and presence.
“In these times, where the news highlights distruction, discord and despair, I felt compelled to create something that speaks of love's omnipresence. Each piece in this series is a reminder that love, in its many forms, is powerful and present.”
With this collection, Linda invites you to see the world through a lens of love, challenging the prevalent perspective of negativity. Instead, uncovering the act of kindness and connection that binds us together.
The heart necklace series is now available for viewing and purchase in Linda’s store.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Mercy Corps, an organization dedicated to offering peace solutions and conflict resolution in over 40 countries. Learn more about their work here: https://www.mercycorps.org/
For more information, or to personalize a commissioned piece, please feel free to contact Linda by email here.
“Remember, Love actually is all around us, and through this series, I hope to bring that truth to light.”
—Linda MacNeil