The story behind ENDANGERED is rooted in my lifelong fascination for wildlife, combined with one of my interest in silversmithing, and is an idea that took shape during a five-month trip to Southeast Asia last year.

There were several crucial things that happened to me during that trip. I took the time to reflect on my values, what needs and drivers I had, and spent invaluable time visiting places where wildlife lives in their natural environment. Experiencing them so close was among the most powerful I have ever experienced. To then become aware of the threats they live under because of human influence was painful to me.

I have visited nature reserves for rhinos that were protected from illegal hunting, seen sea turtles hatched under the protection of the native guerrilla and visited rehabilitation centers for wounded orangutans. When I lived at the National Geographic Eco Lodge in Borneo's rainforest, I learned that wild orangutans in Borneos and Sumatra rainforests were almost completely extinct due to commercial agriculture, poaching and the illegal trade. It is estimated that almost 90 percent of the population surveyed in the 1970s will be extinct by 2025.

There are few things that make me more upset than when innocent gets hurt, especially animals. So I had to do something.

In Bali, in the small village of Celuk, I found a studio that manufactures gold and silver forging of recycled metals. I have been doing silversmithing for over five years and to combine my interest and at the same time do a good deed - became the beginning of ENDANGERED.