Just like a lot of other people, artisans and craftspeople have been thinking a lot lately about how their work impacts people and the planet. I’m not talking about artistic impact, I’m talking about things like sustainability and fair wages for their fellow artists in other countries. In fact, there’s a colloquium today at the California College of the Arts on this very subject. I’d go if I had the time.
Here at the gallery, some of our pieces come with a certificate from Harmony Metals and Gems, which guarantees that the jewels don’t come from a conflict zone, the precious metals are recycled and processed in an environmentally responsible way. This isn’t something new for the gallery. I’ve always been careful about the provenance of what we sell here. But it’s gratifying to see that it’s becoming more mainstream. We’ll be seeing more of this kind of thing in years to come as we begin to realize that all of our STUFF comes from somewhere. It makes an object of art all the more meaningful for me to know that it’s journey into my possession didn’t harm another human, or our shared home.
