It all began 45 years ago in Egypt. Tonya Dickinson, whose father was a Canadian diplomat posted in the ancient Middle Eastern country was wandering around a shuk (public market), and discovered a variety of antique beads and silver available for sale at the market. But what shocked her was the story behind how these items made their way to the market.
“I spent my formative years in Ottawa, where there were few people, and then we moved to Egypt, where there were tons of people, which I found overwhelming,” she said during a recent phone interview. “When I found those beads and silver at the shuk, I discovered that many of its people would search around for scrap metal or other items in order to earn a daily living and buy food, which I found to be quite eye-opening. In turn, the people at the shuk took these discarded pieces and repurposed them down the road as treasured pieces of jewelry.”
This discovery at this shuk in Egypt inspired her at the age of 10 to develop and design her own jewelry. She also pursued a career in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as international marketing and strategic planning, but jewellery from around the world was her passion. She travelled through the Middle East, South America, Asia and Africa to collect a wide variety of material to make her own jewelry.
However, like that defining moment at the shuk in Egypt, she found out that practically every piece she collected had a story to tell, and they were not happy ones. Throughout her travels, Ms. Dickinson saw first-hand how the jewelery industry was rife with social inequalities and the disproportionate impact of climate change. From there, she decided to embark upon a mission in which she would create unique pieces of jewelry that would not only empower women and artisans from developing nations, but also be a catalyst to help protect the environment across the globe.
And that formed the genesis of Asymmetric by Design. Created after Ms. Dickinson and her husband return to Canada in the wake of the COVID pandemic outbreak, Asymmetric by Design is dedicated to sending out the message of the importance of sustainability, human rights, freedom, democracy, women’s rights and environmental protection through uniquely crafted jewelry that features the vintage, antique and recycled items that she has collected since 1978, with an asymmetric, contemporary look to it.
During this year’s Montreal Fashion week, which runs from September 18 to 24, Ms. Dickinson will bring her jewelry crafting know how and message of ethical fashion and bringing positive change to two workshops that she will present on September 19 and 21 at the Montreal Art Centre and Museum, located at 1842 William Street.
“Usually, if you want to be involved with Montreal Fashion Week, the vetting process is a long one, and can take a few years before you get accepted to participate. However, the organizers were so impressed with what I had to offer, I got invited to this year’s fashion week,” she said.
The workshops will deal with the topics of jewelry upcycling and recycling, and how jewelry can make a statement. As well, there will be free personal consultations, and visitors can bring their own pieces of antique and vintage jewelry to learn how they can be revived and repurposed.
“These are value added workshops, where people can show us their treasures that they find in their drawers and closets, and see how they can give a second life to these rarely worn or inherited heirlooms,” she added.
No matter what kind of jewelry piece that will get assessed and shown how they can be repurposed during these workshops, Ms. Dickinson will also deliver the message of how repurposed jewelry can serve a purpose in today’s world.
“An individual can make a statement and stand for a cause based on what they wear,” she said. “Whether it be a brooch or a necklace, they can contribute to the survival of the planet, open people’s eyes and change the world. We need more consumers with a conscience, because there is a need to have a more circular economy, so we can stand up to what is unjust.”
For more information about Asymmetric by Design, go to asymmetricbydesign.com, or check them out on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
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