Precious metals

In my mind, I see all metal as precious.
Perhaps not in the same way my ancestors did, living through the era of the ‘gold rush’. I certainly understand the allure, in fact sometimes wonder if it is somehow embedded in my DNA. For I have learned some of their herstory/history and somehow feel connected to the fine gold chain makers that came from America and the explorer prospector that travelled far and wide from the Cape York Peninsular in Queensland to New Guinea. From Singapore to Borneo and back to cross the Tanami desert and through the North of Western Australia to find himself in Kalgoorlie where he sired my Grandfather.
Today, this is what the state of Western Australia is known for, the natural resources mined here Gold, Silver, Copper, Zinc and Iron ore. It is also known for the beauty of its natural environment which seems vast and untouched in many areas.
My silversmithing skills were developed using copper and my affinity with this versatile metal increased as I trained using different techniques of forming, raising, chasing and repousse. Now I’ve taken a new interest in using the copper salvaged from the mining & construction industry from transformers and plumbing pipe in an attempt to sustainably keep practicing my craft.