People thrive when their talents are recognized and nurtured.

in memorie of my grandparents

My grandfather began working in a coal mine at age twelve. Although he was intelligent, his family could not afford his education.

He worked tirelessly to ensure his six children could receive an education, often taking extra Sunday shifts to cover their school expenses. As a blaster in the Limburg coal mines, he drilled holes and placed explosives to loosen coal and rock, a dangerous job that enabled others to work safely. He used copper installation wire in his role. In this brooch, the copper wire represents my grandfather, while the iron wire symbolizes my grandmother's iron discipline. The balls, made from equal parts iron and copper wire, represent their six children. Although the coal mine was a burden for my grandfather, it ultimately enabled his children's education.

recycled copper installation wire, recycled iron binding wire; wire drawing, coal found; stone cutting, stone setting, brass wire; hard soldering, patinated with ammonia, nickel silver brooch pin, recycled spruce wood box (wine box), recycled wool.