The Iron notes conference was a truly inspiring experience, it engulfed us and carried us away from the everyday to a place full of potential metal dreams in life and death

In my practice, small-scale casting has become an essential part of my artistic voice. Most recently, I’ve been working on a large series of black flowers—capturing the soul of these plants before they disappear. During the Gravemarker Days workshop, it was inspiring to see beginners and professionals come together, supporting one another and creating truly beautiful castings.

In the presence of such a diverse gathering—spanning generations and continents—I was struck by how remembrance is a universal thread that binds us all.

As for the conference I am still very impressed with the turnout. I think it was a very good mix of students, alumnae’s, amateurs and professionals from all over the world. The talks and the workshop were to a very high standard, and the enthusiasm and high participation rate confirms this in every way. I think it was an excellent beginning on a very important conversation about a highly relevant topic that seems to have a big potential for development within the craft.

It was a pleasure to dive into my chosen field of geekery — enamel on iron — during the Grave Marker event. The participants’ motivation and experimental spirit were truly inspiring. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my process and material knowledge, and I hope this experience helps deepen and expand the Grave Marker concept.

Something unexpected and extraordinary happened when the participants closed the door to our Bones workshop. The act of making transformed the bones into artifacts — a ritual in itself — turning our room into a sacred space, if only for a moment.