Marianne Hellman

I see, get to know, and try to understand the world through my hands. I use these hands as tools to make a difference, to make a change. To change and refine material, explore and create possibilities. But when is a material considered to be refined, and who would be the judge of that? Is it possible for a material to plead its cause?

I have chosen to work with byproducts from the fishing industry. My methods are grounded in a long but nearly forgotten tradition, and I choose my materials to highlight problems within our marine ecosystem. The degree project also includes a fascination with which elements affect our attitudes towards a material. I would also like to treasure a life once lived. I want to highlight the importance of making the most of what we harvest and give my refined material a voice.

In my view, choosing jewellery as a method is challenging how refined something can be. Would you consider wearing fish waste around your neck?