Re-Using the Old to Create the New - McKenna Hallett Jewelry

Sometimes it's one's mission to contribute in ways

that go beyond the ordinary.

Using only found, reclaimable materials

McKenna Hallet re-uses things like

roofing, gutters, radiators parts, plumbing components,

airplane engine parts and electrical discards.

Her mission statement

encapsulates the essence of her work in jewelry,

I want to create objects of art with a minimum of impact ON OUR PLANET and to this end I will never use electricity or heat or corrosive chemicals to construct my jewelry and I will use as few items as possible from newly manufactured sources.

She also went on to tell me,

I burn NO fossil fuels: no heat, solder, torches, electricity, zero energy is used.  I believe that is what makes the work compelling . . . and the one hope is for each piece to be an ambassador of my message: REDUCE, REUSE, RETHINK and recycle only when you have no other option. It is my raison d'être for creating my line.



Even without knowing her motivations for creating jewelry,

her work is intriguing, superbly-crafted and fun.

 For instance, the naturally-occurring corrosion

process that happens in copper can produce

wonderfully striking effects.

This pendant is a great example.

An aluminum bangle becomes a study in simplicity.

McKenna captures the essence of

the old and revitalizes 

that energy into delightful earrings

made from used radiator parts.

Finding the beauty in scraps of material from

demolition sites and local junk yards,

and salvaging those tidbits

is the essence of this artist's work.

And it's beautiful work.

There is a lot more information and great images

to see at McKenna Hallett's website.