Today, I’m thrilled to bring to you the gorgeous, one-of-a-kind jewelry and mini sculptures by Gouttedeterre. Maker Raphaël Schaltegger wrote the following statement in French, which I converted to English using Google translate:

“My work is my pockets … cards with them, I’m still on the right path. I arrived in Paris in 2009 to create Drop Earth. This is my studio, an association and an art gallery.
This project is centered around the mixtures of cultures, arts and the protection of land and water. The entire sales terrestrial Drop creations is given to the association.”

When I come across something I find extraordinary, I usually send a message requesting permission to write about the artist and asking to use their photos. When I found the beautiful porcelain and gold pieces by Gouttedeterre, I wrote my usual note, but I got no response. Then I realized that they might not speak English. So I wrote a very simplified version in English, ran it through Google translate and sent it off.

I got back a response from them almost immediately, also in French, saying I could use their photos and write about their pieces. Great, right? Thus emboldened, I wrote a more conversational response, popped it into Google translate, and sent it along. Then came time to write the post, so I went back to the communication to see what was written. Here is the Google translate version of the conversation. (My parts of the conversation were first translated by GT into French, then translated back to English, also by GT).

Me: Hello. Can I please write about your shop on my blog? Please let me know. Thank you. Donna

Them: Hello Donna, Thank you for your message. Yes, with pleasure you can post to your blog. Very nice day, Raphael

Not bad, right? Good job, Google translate! Then I get fancy.

Me: Thank you, Raphael! Article publish on November 8. I hope you like. If you do, please consider sharing it on your medias social. Here is link. I will not work as the tree will not leave. And please forgive my sickly French. I studied hardly at school … Thanks again! Donna

Google translate, ladies and gentlemen.

Anyway, I’m sure you’re going to enjoy Schaltegger’s beautiful work, even though he probably thinks I was dropped on my head.

All images property of Raphaël Schaltegger/Gouttedeterre, used with permission, I think.