Elemental Connections Julia Duff Hundermark

During this episode I explore the theme of creativity, and propose that we are all in fact creative, even if we do not work in the so called ‘Creative Sector’. I believe we are ALL possess a sort of creativity… just in different ways & expressions. Creativity is connected to your authenticity. It’s unique to you. It’s how you see the world, how you solve problems.
Creativity is defined as the follwing in the Cambridge Dictionary :
the ability to produce original and unusual ideas, or to make something new or imaginative. 
Creativity isn’t something that can run out - even if we may hit a so called ‘creative block’. It’s all around us in abundance. We just need to figure out how to tap into it.
To me as a jewellery designer, creativity is about freedom and space. I need to feel comfortable in order to design. I need to have mental and physical space in order to play and experiment with shapes and forms. It’s in this letting go, that the creativity can start to flow.
I discuss a few ways in which we can enhance our own creativity:
By nurturing our curiosity & following what excites us. By embracing failure. When we make mistakes we learn and new, unexpected outcomes can emerge. Through Cross-disciplinary Inspiration. Different fields can bring new insights. Through Collaboration. But working with others, we can grow and learn. By exposing ourselves to new perspectives, by travelling and experiencing new cultures for example. By exploring unconventional techniques, that might seem weird & crazy! Self-care also plays a big role in creativity. If you treat yourself well, there is space for imagination to come alive.
This can include:
Mindfulness practices Creating a conducive environment around you Finding a health balance of structure and freedom within your life & creative process. I hope that you enjoyed this episode, and maybe see yourself as a more creative being, if you didn’t already.
If you have your own story to share about your unique creative expression, or related themes, please reach out via my instagram @juliaduff. I love hearing from you.
Till next time xxx

In this week’s episode I explore the theme of Comparison. I did this episode for all, but also for myself! Since it can be easy to get stuck in thoughts of self criticism or imposter syndrome.
 
Comparing ourselves to others is part of our human nature. Everyone does it! But the effect on our me mental heath and well being rather negative. Theodore Roosevelt apparently said “Comparison is the thief of joy”
I dive into some basics of comparison in Psychology, and explore the negative but also positive ways it can affect us. Social Media is a great example of social comparison. We need to be aware that other people are human too, and have their own flaws (even if they don’t show it to the world) I discuss the two type of social comparison. Upwards vs Downwards comparison. Upwards comparison is when we compare ourselves to someone in a better situation. Downwards comparison is when we compare ourselves to others in a worse situation or state. 
In the end it comes down to our level of self esteem, whether upwards or downwards comparison will positively or negatively affect our well being. 
When we have a good sense of self esteem, upwards comparison can actually help to inspire us. It can drive us to strive for more and expand our understanding of what is possible. 
We are all humans, with insecurities and imperfections.
What is important is to recognise this, and also to be proud of our own uniqueness. Comparison should be seen as an opportunity for growth, not as a means to feel defeated.
I hope you found this episode helpful & reminined you that we are in it together! If you are curious to see my jewellery and the unique path that Im on, you can check out my website www.juliaduff.nl
And if you have any comments or stories about dealing with comparison, please reach out via my instagram @juliaduff.
Thanks again. Till next time (which will probably be in 2024!) Wooohooo! I’m excited for the new year! xxx

During this episode I spoke with Theresa Baeumel on the subject of Purpose.
We shared our own personal experiences of finding purpose in the work we do. Theresa recently shifted from the corporate world, to being an entrepreneur. She started her own coaching company called Infusion, which coaches individual and companies, helping people to find clarity and purpose.
Theresa works a lot with energy and occasionally with Psychedelics, as a tool for personal development.
Theresa was a big inspiration for me on my own business building journey, giving me the courage to take the leap to launch my own brand. Finding purpose in my work was the real medicine which helped me to recover from my burnout.
Theresa gives ups a few tips for finding purpose and staying connected with our authentic self:
To listen to your body To follow your excitement To trust the process. What may at first appear as separate interest in your life, many well be puzzle pieces which come together to create your unique calling. To slow down To not let fear stop you. To keep asking yourself, Why? You can find out more about Theresa Infusion via her instagram @infusionwiththeresa of via her website infusion.earth
 
You can explore my jewellery, and what gives me my current purpose in life via my website www.juliaduff.nl
And if you have any comments or stories to share, please reach out via my instagram @juliaduff.
 
Thanks again. Till next time xxx

This weeks episode draws on the content of a lecture I gave at Studio Patina as part of the OBSESSED! Jewellery festival 2023, in Amsterdam. 
The title of the lecture was Beyond Gender Stereotypes; Elemental Shapes for Human Connection.
It addresses the following questions:
In world of social divides… Can jewellery help to
Bridge the gap between different groups of people? & help to break stereotypes and build connections, to our true selves and to others? Gender Stereotyping is defined by www.genderequalitylaw.org as:
An overgeneralization of characteristics, differences and attributes of a certain group based on their gender. Gender stereotypes create widely accepted biases about certain characteristics or traits and perpetuate the notion that each gender and associated behaviors are binary.
Going beyond gender stereotying is about embracing our own opposing qualities - and seeing all traits as just Human qualities - not reserved for a specific gender or group. 
I prefer to see this in terms of Yin and Yang - intertwining oposites that define one another. 
History
We go on a whirlwind history tour to explore some historial examples of men vs womens jewellery. I choose to focus more on mens jewellery, to challange the modern day notion that it is more acceptable for women to wear jewellery. 
History has some fascinating examples for men wearing jewellery, from ancient Egyptian signet rings, to Viking arm rings, to Renaissance pearl earrings. 
Elemantal Shapes
I explore the idea of elemental shapes and how they become symbols for a common human understanding. I use these shapes in my designs to foster a sense of connection, beyond any constructed ideas of separation, such as gender. 

In the end, all jewellery is gender inclusive and many be worn by anyone who chooses to do so. 
What I love most is the creative ways in which people layer and style jewellery & fashion to express their own authenticity. 
If you are curious to see my jewellery collection, head to my website juliaduff.nl 
or follow me on instagram @juliaduff
I love hearing from you, so if you have questions / comments or want to share your own stories of expressing yourself through fashion & jewellery, DM me on Instagram @juliaduff
Till next time xxx

During this Episode I spoke with Holistic Life Coach, Model and Activisit, Elliott Sailors. 
We discussed the theme of Authenticity, and how it’s the key to finding satisfaction in life. 
We all have such a unique life journey. Everyone’s purpose and truth is theirs alone to discover. The important thing is learning to tune in to that inner knowing, and accepting ourselves in entirety. When we show up authentically, we inspire other to do the same, and are able to make deeper, and more meaningful connections.
Our conversation was open, fluid, fun and inspiring. Here are a few topics we covered:
How connecting with our body is a vital for staying in tune with our authenticity.  The difference between arrogance, low self esteem, and self-love. Finding the courage to choose for yourself - even if that means breaking  expectations. We discussed Labels. How they can be empowering when we choose them for ourselves, but damaging when they are forced onto us by other people. Elliott describes a choice as an empowering action vs a decision, which kills off other sides of ourself. How authenticity starts with looking inwards, and understanding which aspects of ourselves we have been denying. Learning to separate people’s opinions from our self worth. That our appearance, does not define who we are as people. How slowing down our thinking and following our breath, can help us to re-centre, in order to take action in the next moment which is more aligned with our authentic selves.  You can follow Elliott’s work via their Instagram account @elliottsailors
As well as website elliotsailors.com
If you are curious to see more of my jewellery and how I use simple elemental shapes as a tool for human connection, you can check out my website juliaduff.nl
I love hearing from you, so if you have questions / comments or want to share your own stories of finding your Authenticity, DM me on Instagram @juliaduff
Till next time xxx

During this episode I spoke with dancer and performer Majon Van Der Schot.
We explored the theme of Dance and how it is such a powerful tool for connection. We discussed:
How dance can teach us about ourselves and explore our own identity. How dance can foster interpersonal relationships That dance is so unique in the physical intimacy it allows us to experience with others. Dance can be a rehearsal for the ups and downs of love and relationships, in a safe, contained environment. Dance can help to bind communities and heal. The importance of dance for our physical body but also mentally & emotionally. Besides being a talented dancer and performer, Majon also has her own clothing line, of fairytale creations which are as tactile and physical as dance itself.
You can follow Majon’s dance and fashion via her instagram: @myownbymajon
Or visit her clothing store in Amsterdam Frou Frou here
The Movement classes in Rotterdam are on Monday evenings from 20:00-21:30
At Dance Atilier Schedule here.
If you are curious to see more of my jewellery, and how I see it as an invitation to explore the beautiful but ALSO strong sides of ourself, you can check out my website juliaduff.nl
The Comet Earring is my favourite piece for going dancing, because it dances with you!
I love hearing from you, so if you have questions / comments or want to share your own stories of how dance helped you to connect with yourself, and others,
DM me on Instagram @juliaduff
Till next time
J xxx