Brick, 2026

Brick was designed with my students in mind. As someone who provides both content and motivation for learning throughout their time at the Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts), I wanted to address the challenges we face as jewellery artists and explore how these obstacles can serve as creative catalysts. I believe that the foundational importance of experimentation is crucial, and I strive to instill this idea into my own practice while helping students find their own effective methods. 

To cultivate a prolific art practice, it is essential to overcome the fear of making mistakes, seek innovative solutions, and express oneself with unique quirks and styles. The vast and valuable nature of materials often connects to the sentimental and nostalgic aspects that jewellery naturally embodies. I chose materials after all the students explored the box and selected the pieces that resonated with them.

I was particularly drawn to the three-dimensional form of an earring set and decided to create variations of that shape using different materials. The main challenge was to connect all the components. Brick links found objects to problem-solving, materiality to process, and value to subjectivity. Each component involved an element of risk, as each part was created independently before being combined into a cohesive unit through problem-solving, trust, and flexibility—skills that extend well beyond the workbench.