Collection: In situ: Iguazu

In Situ is a Latin phrase meaning "in the original location." It refers to scientific experiments conducted in the site under study.

In this collection I consider each jewelry artifact to be the result of my field research in the jungle --> while on art residency with awasi experience~ a carbon neutral Relais chateaux nestled in the Atlantic rainforest. 

While on my immersion with Awasi, I began a design and research process using fallen leaves, trimmings, loose fern, native plants. I assembled and collaged the plant specimens  as if they were jewlery parts.

Some of these specimens I brought home and eventually casted in metal using a technique called organic burnout. As the plaster encased plant burns away in a kiln, the negative is filled with molten metal and takes the exact cast of the dried plant. Its textures and shape immortalized as precious metal.

This Collection features various jewelry artifacts emblematic of the rainforest in both literal and symbolic forms. Ferns, Maté leaf, Ambaí, the hearty Cassava... various species of plants and animals. Also some of the stones were sourced directly from the local mines in Argentina. This collection also uses responsibly sourced or recycled metals whenever possible.

In situ: Iguazu -inspired by Awasi is a homage to the  extraordinary biodiversity of jungle and hopes this collection is symbolic of all the natural treasures the world gifts us to experience.

Read more about my journey and art immersion here.