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*Caveat on using the term “recycled gold”:

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.

Further reading:
Is Recycled Gold Ethical?
Materials, Sustainability, & Fairmined Metals

SELFIE NOW, a workshop by Ruudt Peters

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ARTS-NSThanks to a grant received by Arts Nova Scotia,  I was able to attend an intensive workshop with internationally renowned artist and teacher Ruudt Peters in the Dutch countryside last week. The workshop aimed to explore self image of the maker/artist/jeweller by way of a series of tightly packed and rapidly paced assignments and investigations. And that, it did!

I have a lot to say about it, which I will probably break down into several posts over the next while. It was a very intense and powerful experience.

The 'virgin' studio awaited us upon arrival
The ‘virgin’ studio awaited us upon arrival

The workshop was attended by 12 participants from eleven countries: USA, Australia, Belgium, Croatia, Mexico, Turkey, China, Romania, The Netherlands, England, and Canada.

discussion assignment results was a main part of the workshop
discussion assignment results was a main part of the workshop
one of the exercises had us paint our faces
one of the exercises had us paint our faces

Ruudt Peters’ summer studio is in the Dutch countryside. Students were asked to remain offline and not be in touch with the outside world,  throughout the entire week. This aided hugely in focussing the work. Every morning’s vipashyana meditation session and short bike ride along the dyke of the Maas river to the studio cleared the head, and then work began immediately.

the scenery is ridiculously beautiful
the scenery was ridiculously beautiful

A variety of assignments (targeting the subconscious, as we later found out)  were given in rapid succession all day, ending at 8pm, followed by communal dinner: each one a long and very intense day!

one of the many exercises during the workshop had us investigate materials at incredible pace, and then create 100 pieces on one theme in a short amount of time
one of the many exercises during the workshop had us investigate one material at incredible pace, and then create 100 pieces on one theme in a short amount of time

On the last afternoon, the workshop ended with final evaluations. Each participant was given a full and honest review. For me, it was one of the most intense experiences I have every had.

My final evaluation was one of the more intense experiences I have had in my education as an artist
My final evaluation was one of the more intense experiences I have had in my education as an artist. A friend is taking notes for me.

Then, each student was given an assignment going forward, to make a specific number of pieces in a set amount of time, based on what issues Ruudt Peters had seen arise during the week. Finally, each was asked what she had learned, and how she would take this forward into her practice.

This photo was taken at the end of the workshop, and carries the relevant sense of celebration
This photo was taken at the end of the workshop, and carries the relevant sense of celebration

We worked hard and we learned a lot. There are a lot of photos on Ruudt Peters’ Facebook page. I will write more soon. I just landed back home last night.

the sun was just setting as I came home to Halifax across the bridge
the sun was just setting as I came home to Halifax across the bridge

What a great experience.
I hope that you have had a good summer, and that the entry into the next season goes smoothly for you. Talk again soon.

xo

Dorothée

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2 Comments

  1. Hi Dorothee,
    Nice to hear that your experience in the workshop is great! A lot of new inspiration for yourself and your work,

    All the best,
    Mieke

    • Thanks, Mieke.
      I really loved Ravenstein and the bike rides along the Maas. We went swimming, too!
      I had a wonderful time. And I still dream of the eggs you made me for breakfast, from the chickens right in your backyard. Best eggs I’ve ever had in my life!
      Take care,
      Dorothée

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