‘Upcycling’ and ‘sustainability’ are two words I hear frequently in the context of contemporary jewellery. They are interesting words to explore considering the disposable world we live in. This in turn results in a favourite theme I’ve come to revisit (on a regular basis it would seem) and that is temporary contemporary adornment.
This project is inspired by the beautiful sights I’ve had the privilege of seeing through a veil of cigarette smoke. Apart from it being one of the most sustainable lines of jewellery I’ve made - sustainable considering the never-ending supply of discarded cigarette butts available – it has also been one of the most repulsive. Interestingly enough as a non-smoker I found it quite a strange feeling to leave the finished jewellery where I found the individual elements.