made by Stephie Morawetz
The society in which we live has invented an entirely new material. A material that is artificially created by mankind and that nature cannot absorb. For almost two centuries, we have been developing this material on and on. It is chemically manufactured in laboratories and constantly it receives new characteristics. Characteristics which make it more and more difficult for nature to process. Hardly anyone knows the composition of the different types of material, but we all use it daily. It can be found everywhere and is now used in almost all areas of life. Life without this material is hard to imagine.
We produce it from a fossil material that is becoming increasingly rare. Even in the knowledge that it will disappear one day, we deal with it carelessly. Instead of disposing of it, we throw it away uncaringly, as if nature can absorb it. Nature is sick of this material and creatures die from it.
Meanwhile, a layer of this material has been placed on our earth. Even a new continent was formed.
We live in the plastic-age.
My pieces are created from a new stone. A stone that is formed by nature from our waste, called Plagate. Plastic is not biodegradable by nature, layers and layers get crushed and seep into the ground. Through time and pressure, nature could create a new agate.
Since ancient times agate was used to engrave persons of importance that represent the zeitgeist. I’m my series of signet rings, I am engraving persons that reflect our time. For me, Instagram influencers stand for this image. Influencers are a million-dollar business which provide us with a lifestyle that millions of people like and follow.
By engraving their emojis into the Plagate, I want to illustrate the spirit of our time.
THE RIGHT ONE
Signet Rings - Plagate, virtual ring - 2021