Silversmith// @nater.morton
Photographer// @bonfireheart.photo
Location// @studionoirenoir
What inspired this collection?
I try to live a zero waste lifestyle to reduce my carbon footprint in everything I do!
So incorporating the scrap metal for my collection is very important to me.
Tell us about yourself! What do you do outside of the Gem Studio?
I work 2 other jobs at the moment, I work retail at a local zero waste shop here in SLC called Animalia, we sell plastic free bulk options and local handmade products!
What else are you passionate about?
I am very passionate about the environment and putting the earth first in everything I do. I like to incorporate that with photography and using my camera as a tool to teach people what we as humans are doing to the natural world. On my days off I love good old Mother Earth activities such as, skiing, climbing, swimming and any other classic games we play out there.
What is currently playing on your Spotify?
WU-TANG Clan, Tribe Called Quest, Radiohead, Muse, Smashing Pumpkins
What do you want to manifest in your life over the next year?
Buckle up for a cliché answer. I just wanna see more change and good news with earth, animals, and basic human rights.
What is your favorite gem, and why?
I feel the most drawn to darker stones, probably because I wear almost exclusively black.
What is your favorite part of the silversmithing process?
I just love seeing people’s reactions go from “is this really going to look clean and shinny?” To “wow, I’m sorry I ever doubted you.”
What makes you passionate about sustainability?
My brother has been a huge reason of why I am who I am, he studies conservation biology and has been a total nerd since I was ~ 14. One day he came up to me and said “yo Nate doy, you ever herd of climate change?” I probably responded with “nah” and I genuinely didn’t care at all. But over time through him taking me out on runs, jumping in the river, skiing etc. he showed me how much of a problem this is. I knew I wanted to start caring. So when I was 16 I thought “if I really want to make myself do everything I can to make a difference. I have to get a tattoo about it.” So I did, I got a blue whale to remind me that we are destroying the earth, and that is not my fault or your fault, but, it’s happening and I can’t just sit and watch while the earth burns. So I got these tattoos to commit one hundred percent of my life to the environment.
What are you most excited to do once you move to New York?
Just to learn, and grow as a person. I hope to keep posting things of how one little act made by millions can make huge differences to climate change and the future of the natural world.