Vine Earrings I

sterling silver, plastic (recycled)

13.5 x 1.5 x .5 in

This series of earrings combines translucent multicoloured plastics with sterling silver. The plastic used is sourced primarily from upcycled photography light filters. All parts are cut by hand and assembled to create fluttering structures that are very lightweight despite their rather absurd length. The earrings are part of a larger body of work exploring an imagined future in which the world has suffered extreme environmental losses. In this future, humanity has turned to plastic and detritus in an attempt to recreate natural forms from manmade materials. These earrings mimic the vines and petals of an artificial forest.

Artist Bio:
Lena Binnington is a contemporary jewellery artist and goldsmith based in Québec, Canada. Working at the intersection of adornment, sculpture, and material inquiry, she combines traditional metalsmithing with experimental materials to create refined yet eccentric works that challenge conventional ideas of wearability and value. Her practice emphasizes sustainable material use - utilizing recycled plastics, organic matter, and precious metals. Lena is an alumni artist resident from Harbourfront Centre (2023), graduate of George Brown College's Jewellery Arts program (2019) and received her B.A. from the University of Toronto (2014). Her work has been exhibited across Canada and internationally.