While I am very careful to source my precious metals only from SCS® certified suppliers (SCS® stands for Supply Chain Sustainability; they are the global leader in the field of sustainability standards and third-party certification). Most of my precious metals suppliers are also members of the Responsible Jewellery Council. However, I want to point out that ‘recycling gold' is not what is commonly understood by the term.
True recycling avoids things ending up in landfills. Gold, of course, wouldn’t.
Instead, gold is simply melted, refined and repurposed.
Although SCS® certified refineries must maintain auditable records of their suppliers, there are loopholes globally which make it very easy for gold from unregulated and/or illegal sources to enter their supply chain.
This makes even 'certified recycled' gold untraceable.
What moves me creatively is my passion for moving metal, and the continued study of line – as evident in the fluid lines of the Série OneFooter. My surroundings here in Nova Scotia are also hugely inspiring. When I begin to translate my inspiration into metal, I work very intuitively, allowing space for serendipity.
Ethical sourcing is important to me: going far beyond the outdated standard of the Kimberly Process, I use certified Canadian diamonds, or laboratory grown ones. I recently became accredited as a retailer for SCS certified sustainable diamonds. My gold is at the very least SCS certified 100% recycled, and my suppliers are members of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC).
I am also one of very few goldsmiths to work with gold that is certified Fairmined ECO Gold and Fairmined sterling silver.
From these carefully chosen materials, I personally handcraft custom family, engagement, wedding, and anniversary rings. My coloured gem sourcing is constantly becoming more ethical. I can source gems for you, or work with yours.
Throughout the year, I participate in various art shows and other events in Canada and abroad. My collectors are international, and working remotely is absolutely workable also.
I have been making jewellery for 20 years.
I was born in Germany and immigrated to Canada in 1989 at the age of 19. I started selling my work in 2002, and graduated from NSCAD University in 2005 with a major in jewellery design and metalsmithing, and a minor in art history (focus craft). I was honoured to be the recipient of various awards and scholarships, became a CraftNS Master Artisan in 2015, and continue to participate in exhibitions internationally.
I create jewellery in my studio in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Honestly, one of my favourite things to do is write my weekly Sunday Letters. I so enjoy sharing everything from my upcoming jewellery creations and events to personal stories and current inspirations. Of course, special discounts and exclusive invites are in there too.
A Guest in Mi’kma’ki (Nova Scotia)
As an immigrant, I always feel like a guest. It took some adjusting to realize whose guest I really am on this land.
I acknowledge that I am a guest in the ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq people, and bound to the Peace and Friendship Treaties of the 18th century, which contained no monetary or land transfer provisions – this is their land.
I thank the first people of Mi’kma’ki, who have cared for it for thousands of years, for allowing me to live and work here.
Videos
An example of how nature inspires me.
This is a short clip following the inspiration behind the MapleLeaf series.
An example of how line and movement inspire me.
This is a short clip following the inspiration behind the Série OneFooter.
An episode which was filmed about me by Maritime Made.
This Eastlink TV series is kind of like our very own ‘How It’s Made’. The show generally highlights a broad variety of products which are made here in the Maritimes, and shows how they are made. Here, they have filmed me making my OneFooter rings. I have seen several crafters on this show, including Alissa Kloet of Keephouse. I was delighted to be featured
My presentation for Automaton 20.21
The Automaton Exhibition was a collaboration between 5 Spanish and 5 Canadian artists.
The project was to be presented at Madrid Joya in Spain, and later at George Brown College in Toronto. We’ll see what comes of it!
Even though I did not get to go to Madrid, attend the cocktail reception at the Canadian Embassy and other events, I am kinda glad that this way, more people can see the work. More info >
