REDUCE - REUSE - RECYCLE
I am actively pursuing ethical making within my practice, and it's important to me to be transparent in communicating the steps I am taking to be as responsible an artist and maker as I can. It is an ever evolving journey as I discover more and better alternatives. This page will be constantly changing as a result, and will serve to keep you informed and me accountable.
I am incredibly proud to be among the first 50 jewellers to have taken the Fair Luxury Pledge.
Fair Luxury is a collaboration of jewellery industry changemakers with a vision for a responsible and sustainable future. We met to discuss our individual and collective intentions for moving our own practice and the industry at large forward in addressing the social injustices and environmental destruction perpetuated by the supply chains and methods by which jewellery is produced.
In the words of the Fair Luxury collective:
'As individual designers, makers, traders and educators we’ve pledged to make changes and business decisions that are driven by more than just profit. In every aspect of our work we seek to ensure that we are achieving and maintaining a safe, sustainable and just industry for all. We dream of one day casting our minds back and feeling proud to place ourselves at the core of the revolution that transformed the jewellery trade for good.
We are each at a different stage in our journey towards responsible business, but we are all working on it. No matter how big or small, our collective actions will change the world.'
My Pledge:
My jewellery and artwork is conceptually and practically rooted in what is discarded. I am increasingly conscious of the potential impact of my practice on the environment, and also in the living and working conditions of communities involved in the supply chain. As a result I have been exclusively working with recycled and reclaimed materials. I am passionate about sourcing materials with my own hands, re-using what is already in circulation, and giving new life to what cannot be recycled. However, I am extremely aware that I am in a position to be able to support the livelihoods and safety of small-scale and artisan mining communities. By introducing Fairtrade gold into my work I can actively promote and influence the demand for responsible working practices and establish a positive human connection.
I pledge to establish a full circular economy within my practice. Specifically detoxifying my studio, reusing and reducing waste, and making my equipment, materials and designs work harder and more efficiently. I am registered to use Fairtrade gold in my my work and I pledge to introduce Fairtrade gold in addition to the recycled metals I currently use to develop a dedicated collection in support of small-scale mining communities. Education and engagement will be a significant part of the process.
Fair Luxury is a collaboration of jewellery industry changemakers with a vision for a responsible and sustainable future. We met to discuss our individual and collective intentions for moving our own practice and the industry at large forward in addressing the social injustices and environmental destruction perpetuated by the supply chains and methods by which jewellery is produced.
In the words of the Fair Luxury collective:
'As individual designers, makers, traders and educators we’ve pledged to make changes and business decisions that are driven by more than just profit. In every aspect of our work we seek to ensure that we are achieving and maintaining a safe, sustainable and just industry for all. We dream of one day casting our minds back and feeling proud to place ourselves at the core of the revolution that transformed the jewellery trade for good.
We are each at a different stage in our journey towards responsible business, but we are all working on it. No matter how big or small, our collective actions will change the world.'
My Pledge:
My jewellery and artwork is conceptually and practically rooted in what is discarded. I am increasingly conscious of the potential impact of my practice on the environment, and also in the living and working conditions of communities involved in the supply chain. As a result I have been exclusively working with recycled and reclaimed materials. I am passionate about sourcing materials with my own hands, re-using what is already in circulation, and giving new life to what cannot be recycled. However, I am extremely aware that I am in a position to be able to support the livelihoods and safety of small-scale and artisan mining communities. By introducing Fairtrade gold into my work I can actively promote and influence the demand for responsible working practices and establish a positive human connection.
I pledge to establish a full circular economy within my practice. Specifically detoxifying my studio, reusing and reducing waste, and making my equipment, materials and designs work harder and more efficiently. I am registered to use Fairtrade gold in my my work and I pledge to introduce Fairtrade gold in addition to the recycled metals I currently use to develop a dedicated collection in support of small-scale mining communities. Education and engagement will be a significant part of the process.
THE JOURNEY SO FAR...
RESPONSIBLE SOURCING OF RAW MATERIALS
Precious Metals:
I use 100% recycled silver and gold. It is of the exact same high quality but reuses material already in circulation and not newly mined or direct from conflict mines. Instead the precious metal is recovered from industrial use (ie. electric parts, plating), scrap jewellery and dentistry.
I have also become registered to use Fairtrade gold and will be introducing Fairtrade precious metals into my work in support of small-scale mining communities.
I also make sure to recycle all of my own silver 'waste' and offcuts including recovering and reusing the small amount of silver deposited in the photographic fixer from my experimental darkroom processes in my jeweller and artwork, using a method I developed as part of my contribution to London Alternative Photography Collective's The Sustainable Darkroom Residency in April 2020. I have since expanded on this process with a view to collaborate with independent photographers and darkrooms to manage waste and share resources (read more about this in my Blog).
Precious Metals:
I use 100% recycled silver and gold. It is of the exact same high quality but reuses material already in circulation and not newly mined or direct from conflict mines. Instead the precious metal is recovered from industrial use (ie. electric parts, plating), scrap jewellery and dentistry.
I have also become registered to use Fairtrade gold and will be introducing Fairtrade precious metals into my work in support of small-scale mining communities.
I also make sure to recycle all of my own silver 'waste' and offcuts including recovering and reusing the small amount of silver deposited in the photographic fixer from my experimental darkroom processes in my jeweller and artwork, using a method I developed as part of my contribution to London Alternative Photography Collective's The Sustainable Darkroom Residency in April 2020. I have since expanded on this process with a view to collaborate with independent photographers and darkrooms to manage waste and share resources (read more about this in my Blog).
Other Materials:
All other jewellery materials are sourced sustainably and/or recycled (ie. reclaimed glass, metals and plastics, post-consumer recycled papers, precious/semi-precious stones that are sourced from the UK or from verified ethical suppliers or are recycled 2nd-hand stones).
I also create 'gemstones' and new material for making jewellery from waste materials such as glass and unrecyclable plastics and paper (eg. resin-coated photographic paper, nail varnish, hair, Lateral Flow Tests, waste paint and resin built up from automotive factories and boatyards...)
I reuse MDF and canvas off-cuts from my work in theatre as supports for my paintings and use alternative painting and drawing mediums such as tea, coffee, food colouring, botanicals. Many of my brushes made from waste materials including my hair.
USE OF ALTERNATIVES TO CHEMICALS
PRINT & PACKAGING MATERIALS
My packaging is a perpetual work in progress!
The current trend for many small handmade businesses and independent artists appears to be a whole plethora of information cards, tissue, envelopes, bags, stickers, more tissue, ribbons, patterned tape, boxes in boxes in boxes and even more tissue. I desperately want to resist this rising pressure. I want to ensure that there is as little material waste for my customers to deal with as there is in making it and, let’s face it, reduce the overall expenditure on superfluous ‘stuff’ that will ultimately push up my prices or otherwise leave me barely covering my costs, for it to all end up in the bin anyway.
But, I do not wish to compromise on quality or that sensory experience of receiving an exciting and beautiful package. It’s all about balance.
It is my mission to keep all packaging and accompanying ‘stationery’ as minimal, reusable and sustainable as possible*
[*but still achingly cool and edgy]
Currently...
Artwork
Jewellery
I welcome your feedback to see whether what I’m doing, or trying to do, lives up to the experience you would want as a customer parting with your hard-earned cash. Your opinions matter and help me adapt and grow.
Please do feel free to drop me a line via my contact page.
REDUCING WASTE & ENERGY CONSUMPTION
COMMUNITY & SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT ARTISTS/BUSINESSES
I'm very aware that although I'm a bit of a Jack-of-all-trades I am also a one-woman enterprise. So, whether I like it or not I can't always do absolutely everything myself (although it's not from lack of trying)! Therefore, it is extremely important to me to support other independent makers, artists and small businesses and as local to me as possible when choosing suppliers and assistance.
All other jewellery materials are sourced sustainably and/or recycled (ie. reclaimed glass, metals and plastics, post-consumer recycled papers, precious/semi-precious stones that are sourced from the UK or from verified ethical suppliers or are recycled 2nd-hand stones).
I also create 'gemstones' and new material for making jewellery from waste materials such as glass and unrecyclable plastics and paper (eg. resin-coated photographic paper, nail varnish, hair, Lateral Flow Tests, waste paint and resin built up from automotive factories and boatyards...)
I reuse MDF and canvas off-cuts from my work in theatre as supports for my paintings and use alternative painting and drawing mediums such as tea, coffee, food colouring, botanicals. Many of my brushes made from waste materials including my hair.
USE OF ALTERNATIVES TO CHEMICALS
- Non-toxic pickles and cleaning solutions
- I very very rarely use resin these days but if I do I will use Eco Resins (plant-based and sustainable)
- Biodegradable soap for degreasing metals
- Acid etching replaced with salt water and electro-etching
- Water-based, silica-free, vegan polishing compounds
- Moving from chemical patination methods to entirely natural homemade alternatives
- Rainwater and reusing water from domestic dehumidifier for jewellery processes, ink/paint-making, painting and cleaning (a small positive from living in damp accommodation!)
PRINT & PACKAGING MATERIALS
My packaging is a perpetual work in progress!
The current trend for many small handmade businesses and independent artists appears to be a whole plethora of information cards, tissue, envelopes, bags, stickers, more tissue, ribbons, patterned tape, boxes in boxes in boxes and even more tissue. I desperately want to resist this rising pressure. I want to ensure that there is as little material waste for my customers to deal with as there is in making it and, let’s face it, reduce the overall expenditure on superfluous ‘stuff’ that will ultimately push up my prices or otherwise leave me barely covering my costs, for it to all end up in the bin anyway.
But, I do not wish to compromise on quality or that sensory experience of receiving an exciting and beautiful package. It’s all about balance.
It is my mission to keep all packaging and accompanying ‘stationery’ as minimal, reusable and sustainable as possible*
[*but still achingly cool and edgy]
Currently...
Artwork
- Prints are packaged using UK-sourced recycled card backing and compostable cellophane envelopes (made from corn starch).
- Postage materials are recyclable and reusable by the recipient. With larger, heavier works I try to reuse boxes/packaging materials from deliveries (if I don't have any I ask around my neighbours!).
- Labels, tape and cards/paperwork as detailed below.
Jewellery
- Postal boxes are recyclable and reusable by the recipient. I will ultimately replace this current stock with ones that are made from recycled material as well as being recyclable.
- The tape I use to secure the postal boxes is eco-friendly and recyclable, even the adhesive!
- The ‘filler’ material inside the postage boxes to protect the contents is hand shredded using packing paper from deliveries and waste paper from making work in my studio. It can be reused or recycled (the type/colour of paper will vary depending on what kind of paper waste I have at the time!).
- Postage labels are made from waste paper offcuts from my studio and adhered using all natural rice paste glue.
- My business cards are from Moo, made from recycled cotton t-shirts (I know!) and are mini artworks in themselves that you can frame if you want!
- My info card is made from handmade seeded paper, so that you can grow wild flowers when you are finished with it!
- I also use reconditioned printer inks and recycle used cartridges.
- I currently don't include a ‘How to care for your jewellery’ card. This information is on my website and I was wary of adding another piece of potentially unnecessary paper. I’m in two minds about this though and would love to know your thoughts. Is it better to have that sort of information with the piece to draw attention to the fact that jewellery needs looking after? If I do it will be on handmade seeded paper that can be planted and grown.
- My jewellery boxes are made from made from FSC®-certified cardboard. The glue, paper and cardboard of the box are 100% eco-friendly and are fully recyclable. I do not use the non-recyclable nasty foam inserts! I have replaced them with post-consumer recycled and recyclable acid-free black card from studio stock which I cut to size and texture/emboss myself. I'm still investigating other options.
I welcome your feedback to see whether what I’m doing, or trying to do, lives up to the experience you would want as a customer parting with your hard-earned cash. Your opinions matter and help me adapt and grow.
Please do feel free to drop me a line via my contact page.
REDUCING WASTE & ENERGY CONSUMPTION
- My whole practice is based on a circular economy to reduce waste
- Development and implementation of efficient metal reclamation systems within my studio
- Any chemicals are responsibly disposed of
- My studio is run using a green energy supplier and I'm currently investigating how I can implement solar power
COMMUNITY & SUPPORTING INDEPENDENT ARTISTS/BUSINESSES
I'm very aware that although I'm a bit of a Jack-of-all-trades I am also a one-woman enterprise. So, whether I like it or not I can't always do absolutely everything myself (although it's not from lack of trying)! Therefore, it is extremely important to me to support other independent makers, artists and small businesses and as local to me as possible when choosing suppliers and assistance.
FURTHER INSIGHTS
If you'd like to hear a bit more about my circular economy practice, I was invited to do a short presentation on my process by London Alternative Photographic Collective as part of The Sustainable Darkroom Residency that I took part in during April 2020.
The talk focuses on recycling and reusing waste in the studio and darkroom. In a society with such an abundance of waste, how can we change our approach to consider it as a material and potential sight of enquiry rather than undesirable rubbish?
This talk with myself, Michaela Davidova and Katrina Stamatopoulos took place via Zoom on the 23rd July, 2020 and was chaired by Hannah Fletcher.
Available to watch on YouTube HERE
Transcript for my presentation available to read HERE
My experimentations on The Sustainable Darkroom Residency have also been included in the London Alternative Photographic Collective's publication This Is (Still) Not A Solution which is available to purchase HERE
To read more about my work on the residency and the developments I have made since see my new Blog
If you'd like to hear a bit more about my circular economy practice, I was invited to do a short presentation on my process by London Alternative Photographic Collective as part of The Sustainable Darkroom Residency that I took part in during April 2020.
The talk focuses on recycling and reusing waste in the studio and darkroom. In a society with such an abundance of waste, how can we change our approach to consider it as a material and potential sight of enquiry rather than undesirable rubbish?
This talk with myself, Michaela Davidova and Katrina Stamatopoulos took place via Zoom on the 23rd July, 2020 and was chaired by Hannah Fletcher.
Available to watch on YouTube HERE
Transcript for my presentation available to read HERE
My experimentations on The Sustainable Darkroom Residency have also been included in the London Alternative Photographic Collective's publication This Is (Still) Not A Solution which is available to purchase HERE
To read more about my work on the residency and the developments I have made since see my new Blog
If you'd like some ideas on how you too can make a difference click below...