This story describes my experience of recovering precious metals recovered from electronic waste. In particular it illuminates the journey of recovering precious metals, from collecting waste to exchanging it for some gold and purifying the sample so it can be worked into new contemporary jewellery. The story starts in 2021 in Killeagh as part of an artist residency at Greywood Arts where I invited members of the community to donate their unwanted electronics. This stash was then traded for a small gold coil from KMK Metal recyclers in Tullamore in Ireland. The coil was subsequently worked, purified and then worked again to create thin gold foil for use in contemporary jewellery.

Greywood Arts[1] in Killeagh, Ireland is a space where artists and the community of East Cork can come together to explore the creative process, grow and connect. During an artist residency there in June 2021 I invited the local community to donate their old electronic waste. I had been attracted to the residency as it focused on the creative process and was located in a rural area whilst e-waste is often perceived as an urban issue.

This section is in draft form and is currently being added to.

[1] https://greywoodarts.org/