Jeweler and metalsmith, Clare Poppi, is a Fine Arts Honours graduate and grant recipient now lecturing in eco-jeweler. She approaches sustainable design by utilizing environmentally conscious studio techniques and ethical work practices. She uses a range of materials from growing live grass and plants, to recycled metals and bio-degradable components to create jewelry and wearable art.
Poppi’s works for Greensmith are an extension of her Growing jewelry project in which the growing jewelry forms connections between the grower and nature, and when worn, the jewelry acts as a visible statement of environmental awareness. In seeking to optimize the sustainability of her practice, Poppi utilizes recycled (and easily recyclable) metals. For construction she replaces harmful chemicals with natural alternatives, or alternatively makes the conscious choice not to use certain techniques which involve harmful chemicals.