This project, Schindler Gold: Unapologetically Unrefined, was a loving endeavor in storytelling. It was part documentary photo essay, part product and part fine art photography. As a prior tour guide in Alaska and the Yukon, this story had deep ties to me personally. Bruce Schindler was the first person I met when I moved to Skagway Alaska in 2015. We met on the rowing machines at the gym, he was a rower for the University of Washington. I rowed for Washington State University. From a friendly rivalry 20 years apart a friendship was born.
Schindler Gold is an investment-grade raw gold jeweler. They blend the ruggedness and beauty of Alaska and the Yukon Territory. This raw gold is forged in the Yukon and expertly hand-crafted in Alaska. I traveled to Alaska to document the creation process, highlighting the process going from gold nuggets to jewelry to customers.
For this project, I lived in a Yurt on the Schindler compound to capture the transformation of raw Yukon gold into art crafted in Alaska. Bruce’s shop has an exposed, worked-in vibe while being cozy from the wood-burning fire and hum of joyful people.
Unapologetically Unrefined. Drawing inspiration from nature and the wild women of Alaska, we aimed to capture this essence. Raw gold is durable but also delicate, similar to the North. Nature never apologizes, the North is a rugged country blooming with fragile beauty. The Wild Women of Alaska exude the essence of unapologetically unrefined. They radiate beauty while being some of the most capable and strong beings I’ve ever met.
Schindler Gold crafts raw gold jewelry that handles all that Alaskans throw at it. These aren’t just investment pieces, they are wearable for daily life. Tested with Alaskans in mind, we captured the range from beautiful Alaskan women in fields of flowers to the weather-hardened fishermen working on the docks.
Capturing the range and depth of Schindler Gold was a story of love and appreciation. It was my goodbye to a city that shaped me, Skagway Alaska. While paying homage to a dear friend and his incredible craft. Bruce creates every piece by hand with tender love and attention.
Schindler Gold is the spirit of Alaska. Unapologetically Unrefined.
Lets to work together!
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