Ethical Metalsmiths: Jewellers for Social and Environmental Responsibility

Abstract

Ethical Metalsmiths is a collaborative project launched by Christina Tatiana Miller and I in 2004. When we met, Christina had researched the co-dependency of mining and metalsmithing, which was the subject of her master of fine arts degree. I had just completed writing an article for Metalsmith, The Price of Gold, (Kingsley 2004) which added up its true, disturbing costs to
people, communities and environments around the world.

As metalsmiths, we shared a near obsession with the impacts of mining and were deeply troubled by the supply chain linking it to jewellery and our craft. We sensed an ethical disconnect between sourcing and making that was not being addressed. As artists, Christina and I were interested in exploring new paradigms of artistic and collaborative practice. We were fascinated and inspired by the work of artists who intervene in unexpected ways to address various 'lacks' of understanding, connections and possibilities in this century.

This artistic collaborative practice we entered, bridging specialized knowledge fields and the public sphere has been described as assuming the role of 'Public Amateur.' It is public because the risks, pleasures, mistakes and insights are the results of an autonomous learning process that is transparent. It is amateur because knowledge is pursued out of curiosity, enthusiasm
and personal need, and is obtained outside professional goals and training. (Pentecost 200?) We are serious about our work, but find pleasure in acting in this role.