Chapter 5 - Conceptually Recycled

This chapter looks at the possibilities of using dicarded objects or materials used in a new light or different way, making the object sustainable in thought rather than fact.

memoria, Editions, ear pieces, Lin Cheung,1999.18ct gold, silver.

These earrings by Lin Cheung are a perfect example of this concept as she has used a bunch of butterflys which are generally only used as a practical device. Cheung has used them as the focal point/decorative aspect of the earrings- it has worked so well because what was once a simple functional butterfly,  has been grouped together to become a pretty floral ear piece.

Chapter 4 - Found Objects

Found Objects: Odds and Ends -Speaks for itself really. Manheim talks about 'magpie syndrome' this process comes about by collecting random everyday objects (eg stamps, ornaments,nuts and bolts, buttons etc) possibly with strong visual appeal, and then transforming them into wearable jewellery.

Gold Necklace, Emma Palmer, 2008. Antique buttons, crochet thread.

If i were to incorporate found objects into a piece of jewellery i would use seed pods or seeds i think.

Chapter 2 - Waste Not, Want Not.

Sprungli Collar, Verena Sieber-fuchs, 2000. Sprungli chocolate wrappers, Inox crocheted.

1. 2. *Waste Not, Want Not - looks into how jewellery can be made from materials that would usually be thrown away. Generally re- shaping or re-inventing things from materials that would usually be discarded without second thought.  The concept stems from a time during The Second World War when times were tough and innovative ways to re-use old materials became essential.eg. coats made from old blankets. The generation to follow grew up understanding 'waste not, want not'. Then came a time of affluence, and this concept was thrown out the window. Manufactured goods were favored over home-made /hand-made as they were seen as part of a more impoverished lifestyle. This has contributed  to where we currently find ourselves, the supermarket and fast-food culture, the age of plastic.Mountains of rubbish. 

1. People are becoming increasingly aware of the 'unsustainability' of this. Although sustainable  jewellery is in no going to save the world, it can only help by spreading awareness. 

1. I find, most jewellery made with this concept in mind, to be either generally quiet ugly or impractical/unwearable. This crocheted chocolate wrapper neck piece is a great example as it is both beautiful and wearable, which is an important requirement for me to fulfill through my jewellery if i am to work with this concept. I have some ideas and would like to make 1 or 2 pieces.

A post a chapter - 1 Old for New

I have read through most of Julia Manheims' book Sustainable Jewellery.  This research will fall into my first factor- The Trade- manufacturing process and materials used(other than metals, which will fall into 2. raw materials). Manheim talks about the different aspects of what makes jewellery sustainable.

 I have summarized her basic sub catagories which are explained in detail in each chapter, although some of  which have little relevance to my intention. Its still seems important that i look into what other people see as sustainable jewellery. I will look deeper into the relevant ones, and find other examples outside of the book to back it up further.

1. Old for New - Recycling existing jewellery, altering it, wearing it differently, melting it down and re working it,cutting it up, adding to it or covering it up. This chapter considers ways in which the jewellery can be reinvented even by simply changing the sentiment or idea behind it.

Siblings,necklace, Lin Cheung,2003. Silver,gold.

Julia Manheim "Sustainable Jewellery"

Now that Ive established the two main factors i need to tackle to make my jewellery more "sustainable", I need to find other jewellers who are doing similar things and see how they go about it. I am finding it quiet difficult to find jewellers working with this concept. Luckily there is Julia Manheims book "Sustainable Jewellery". I am going to start with Manheims book, And look at her different concepts of sustainable jewellery, what it means to other artists and how they go about it. Looking at it from a broader perspective first and then by process of elimination rule out and then bring in what i mean by sustainable jewellery. From there i'll work out how im going to execute my practices.