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.

This brooch is part of my Pebbles Are a Girl's Best Friend project. It's my investigation into the creative possibilities of a found concrete drill core. This core, once waste, is now a source of materials. The pigments from the debris and stones are used for jewellery and objects. The project is a facet of exploring sustainable practices that extend beyond the use of found and recycled materials.

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