Article 22

This collection was created exclusively to be part of the exhibit “Linhas, Formas, Conexões” (Lines, Shapes, Connections) that I participated in with my childhood friend and artist Isabela Castello at

the Ana Terra Art Gallery in Vitoria, Brazil.

All the metal used in this collection was recycled from bombs that were dropped in Laos between 1964 and 1973. Two million tons of ammunition were dropped in the course of the 580,000

bombings, making the country the most bombed per capita in history. A third of those bombs did not explode, leaving the country contaminated with huge quantities of ordnance (UXO). Since then,

more than 20,000 people have been killed or seriously injured by unexploded material. The largest number of victims have been children. 

ARTICLE 22, a company that connects artisans with the recycled metal from these bombs, provided access to these materials. Each Peacebomb, as the pieces are known, helps clean the country and

promotes more work for the community. All the pieces from the exhibit were sold out within a week, and the profits were donated to Santa Luzia Obra Social, Pancas, the Brazilian charity my family has

been involved with since my childhood.

For more information visit www.article22.com.

Combining a metal that comes from a war with light and colorful threads of crochet, was a way to communicate the endless possibilities that we all have to transform our stories. I also wanted to

show that opposites can be nicely combined, that they can have a dialogue and form a unity.

Combining the metal that comes from a country I have never been to with the crochet that comes from my roots symbolizes my own life: as a foreigner in the country that I now live, while also,

sometimes, a stranger in my hometown. The life that opened so many new possibilities for me also has taken me far from my roots.

This collection was made in honor of my two talented grandmothers, Alzira and Thereza.

Katherine Bateman collaborated on the metal & crochet pieces

Words of kindness are engraved in the metal of these pieces to remind us how important words can be to change lives. Sometimes, it only takes a single word to transform a feeling or attitude.

The words “Peace” or “Love” bring new meaning to a metal originally intended to cause suffering. These pieces are a reminder that we should always carry words of kindness with us.

Recycled metal from unexploded bombs combined with gold and diamonds form a unique jewelry piece. The difference between metals is crucial to the beauty of each piece.

These combinations erase any hierarchy between metals, regardless of their monetary value. Their difference is exactly what makes the harmony possible.

Knowing how to respect and appreciate the differences that surround us makes us more complete.