hot off the bench: July 2011

I have found that the concepts I explore in my art parallel the events in my life and career as a metalsmith. The overarching theme in my work is tension between allure or attraction, and deterrence or protection as this idea informs my art, my life and my business practices.

In much of my work I explore the concept of “ allure of aposematic form.” In nature, an aposematic form is a signal to warn or repel predators from potential prey. Yet some of these forms are strikingly beautiful to perceive. They are alluring—these same defensive elements are powerfully and mysteriously attractive or fascinating. I have been inspired to abstract such elements often deriving them from sea creatures or desert plants, borrowing a defensive or protective gesture or idea and exploring it in a piece. This same “push/pull” seems to resonate more broadly in business and life choices.

We are confronted with market demands, or difficult clients, or economic downturn, late and non paying galleries, metals prices and even natural disasters!
We can preserve and protect our career by maintaining a competitive edge, keeping up with new technologies in marketing and process, finding income source to build security, tirelessly educating and building your market, and by means of using sustainable practices.

Attraction and promotion is the number 1 purpose in the business of our industries. Its our “job” to attract customers, buyers, employers; or business partners, collaborators, colleagues, or even students, and of course the press, in order to get established and function in busniness. Meanwhile, the other side of the business is that of Protection. Our aesthetic integrity, job, income, even our entire industry, not just the environment, need preservation.

Socially and environmentally responsible practices, I believe, are the responsibility of both designers and end consumers. Fortunately the “green movement” and concepts of Ecology and Sustainability are finally in the news and becoming fashionable! As a designer working with rare materials, I have important choices to make about sourcing in order to protect the future use of these resources. By only working with reputable suppliers which fit my sustainable vision, and educating the consumer as part of my business mission I hope to make a difference.

Specifically, my business tactic up to this point has been to simplify my entire collection by using only 100% recycled precious metals from Hoover and Strong, Stuller and my local caster, and since 2006 not purchasing colored gemstones from any other companies than Fair Trade Suppliers. I only purchase diamond melee from two sources both of whom abide by the Kimberly Process and provide the UN Conflict Free declaration on every invoice. The only occasions when I handle gemstones from unknown sources is when I am working with customer-owned stones in custom settings.

From the start I have been educating consumers and sharing the Ethical Standards in my own business as well as sharing links and further research opportunities online and this month will launch a new searchable site with expanded Sustainable Jewelry information- this is a preview of one of the pages.

Because of this long term promotion of ethical/sustainable business practices, I have been invited to speak to industry professionals on several occasions as being listed as a founding member of their directory of Ethical Metalsmiths.

But we can’t do it all – its IMPORTANT not to claim more than we can guarantee
CURRENTLY IN THE NEWS:
Many companies claiming “eco/responsible” are not as thorough as they claim.
Wal Mart’s “Love Earth” jewelry line, gold from big polluters, made in Bolivian Sweatshops

The increase in pricing is having a “gold rush” effect, many countries including USA/California!- this is where our VOTE counts when anti pollution measures get on the ballot!

Child labor in Tanzania- 8-14yrs old in Mererani
Harry Mushi, set up “Good Hope Programme “rehabilitation facility for kids from mines (common story of cycle of poverty)

Even Cell Phones! Coltan: like pacemakers, jet engines and hearing aids, 67% coltan supply is in Congo!
If you are like me its easy to feel overwhelmed-

We must not lose sight of our own integrated vision, must work locally and diligently to do our part, and it will Attract customers! Here are some photos from my happy customers!