A Monument for Mother Nature

The title refers to Edward Kienholz's Portable War Memorial (1968) at the Ludwig Museum in Cologne. His work is a tribute to those who died during the Vietnam War. At the same time, it also shows society's indifference.

With this brooch, I draw attention to the environmental impact of the materials used for jewellery. By this brooch, I ask makers and consumers to consider the significant environmental effects of the materials traditionally used in jewellery, such as mining for precious metals and gemstones, and the chemical processes involved in metal refining and stone cutting. We must stop being indifferent and instead cherish and protect the value of our earth. I began this effort by using pebbles from a drill core, which were waste material from a renovation project of a house near my home.

The brooch is part of my Pebbles Are a Girl's Best Friend project, which explores creative ways to repurpose a concrete drill core. I transform this industrial remnant into materials for jewellery and other objects. I use pigments derived from debris and the stones to bring sustainability into practice and demonstrate the potential of reused materials.

More info on this project can be found in my blog post project Pebbles Are a Girl's Best Friend and exhibition [PARTICLES]