'Make Jewellery Not War'

All throughout our lives, we are exposed to a phenomenal amount of negative information, whether it be international conflict, political issues or problems on a personal scale. This can – understandably – be overwhelming at times. A part of the programming in our brains results in negative bias. This means we tend to focus on and therefore remember the more upsetting, hurtful or humiliating moments over the ones that truly make our hearts sing. With this project, I endeavoured to bring the positives to light. Despite the countless struggles of the world, a little kindness and compassion can indeed go a long way. If history has taught us anything, it is that nothing can ever be solved through continuously perpetuating negativity, hatred and fighting. Each piece has a little undercurrent; a small feature; a slight nod towards the unsettling things happening all around the world. My aim was to take this, and to turn it into something that might not only give someone a smile but perhaps empower them to do something more. I wish to encourage people to smile, to focus on life’s positives, to think more of others, to show compassion towards each other, to make some sort of gesture to help someone. No matter how big or small it may seem to them, it could make a world of difference to someone else. It is not at all my intention to trivialise the severity of these issues, but negative things will always happen; they will always be inevitable. It does not necessarily have to be about the issues themselves, but what you choose to do about them. Shiny brass, matte silver, soft ebony. Stainless steel pin used for brooches. To be exhibited, alongside others, at the War//Polemos Exhibition in Munich later on in 2020. Featured on Klimt02 as a part of the virtual exhibition.