Jewellery + Activism + Art
Wangari Maathai
We owe it to ourselves and to the next generation to conserve the environment so that we can bequeath our children a sustainable world that benefits all.
~ Wangari Maathai
Wangari Maathai (1940 – 2011) – Kenyan-born environmental, political, and women’s rights activist.
Wangari was the first woman in East Africa to earn a doctorate degree.
In 1977 she launched The Green Belt Movement to reforest her country and aid women in need of income. The movement is responsible for over 30 million trees being planted and about 30,000 women gaining new skills and opportunities.
In 2004 Wangari Matthai was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy, and peace. She was the first African woman to receive the prestigious award.
We are called to assist the Earth to heal her wounds and in the process heal our own – indeed, to embrace the whole creation in all its diversity, beauty and wonder. This will happen if we see the need to revive our sense of belonging to a larger family of life, with which we have shared our evolutionary process.
~ Wangari Maathai
The Wangari brooch
The coiling sterling silver tendrils that resemble roots, branches and buds are symbolic of the trees planted by the Green Belt Movement that Wangari Maathai founded in 1977.
“What a friend we have in a tree, the tree is the symbol of hope, self-improvement and what people can do for themselves.” ~ Wangari Maathai
Frida Kahlo
Mankind owns its destiny, and its destiny is the earth. We are destroying it until we have no destiny. – Frida KahloFrida Kahlo was born in Mexico City, Mexico (1907). She is recognized as one of Mexico’s greatest artists; however, little is ever mentioned about her...
Unlikely Inspiration
I never kill insects. If I see ants or spiders in the room, I pick them up and take them outside. Karma is everything. - Holly Valance Summer evenings up at my cabin bring a mass or night flying insects hoping they can somehow reach the warm electric glow of the light...
Nina Simone
I tell you what freedom is to me: no fear. – Nina SimoneNina Simone (nee. Eunice Waymon), was a singer, musician, and Civil Rights activist. Born in Tryon, North Carolina in 1933 Nina had a musical talent that was evident quite early in her life. By the tender age of...
Gold Plated vs. Gold Filled
Gold-Plated vs Gold Filled Jewellery Most people know what gold plated jewelry is. The name explains that it is plated or coated with an ultra-thin layer of gold (about .5 micron). But have you ever wondered what gold filled means? Is it good quality?...
V is for …
What's in a name? After using VenusVelvet as my moniker for over 25 years, I have decided to change my business name to v2design. Why? Because I got so terribly tired of people, men usually, asking me if I was a stripper. Who knows what would possess someone to ask...
I’d Like To Change The World
Today I'm sharing three videos by brave women artists who aren't afraid to share with the world what they feel is important. *Warning: course language*
