When I was young, I had many fantasies about my future career. I wanted to be an artist, a dancer, a musician, a teacher, a Chinese medicine practitioner, etc. Even though jewelry design has now become my profession, I still feel that I am a slash youth, capable of excelling in my role while maintaining diverse interests and talents.
When have you started creating jewelry? How did this passion come about?
I began my journey into jewelry during my undergraduate years. I haven’t decided on my major yet at that time. It was during an art foundational seminar course at the art college that I first experienced the art of welding/soldering and discovered my profound passion for jewelry design. This pivotal moment prompted me to commit to a major in jewelry. Despite the impulsive nature of my decision, my unwavering love for this craft endures, and I remain fulfilled by the choice I made.
What was your first project or significant piece for you and from what point of view?
Serendipity V from the Serendipity collection is one of the most significant pieces for me. Concrete is my main material, but I am often not satisfied with making it in traditional ways. Once I accidentally dropped a small cup of silicon into undried concrete. I thought that it was a ruined sample, so I mixed them and set it aside. The next day, I found its texture had become surprisingly beautiful and soft.
This unexpected result gave me a new direction of experimentation. I succeeded in inventing the soft concrete material and creating concrete jewelry pieces with gradient softness and gradient color.
How do you charge your batteries? What other passions and creative interests do you have?
I play the piano every night; I dance every week; crocheting, traveling, visiting museums, and watching the sunrise and sunset are also my hobbies. I am also a propagandist of Chinese culture and Hanfu (traditional Chinese costume). I have such diverse interests and hobbies that I never worry about running out of ways to charge myself. I'd like to share my most recent way of charging my battery: I spent an entire day alone in Central Park in New York with a sketchbook and watercolor. While immersing myself in the surroundings, I wandered, sketched, and painted. I find it crucial to have moments of solitude where I can engage in a meaningful dialogue with myself. Additionally, I firmly believe that staying away from electronic devices and reconnecting with nature is always the best way to get relaxation and inspiration.
What does the connection between manufacturing tradition and contemporary design mean to you?
I believe that manufacturing tradition and contemporary design are not two independent or opposing concepts; in fact, they can complement each other. While contemporary jewelry design is more creative and may not have the standardized and stringent craftsmanship requirements of traditional production, it still demands a strong hands-on skillset from the designer. Proficiency in basic metalsmithing techniques, for example, can significantly enhance the intricacy of contemporary jewelry pieces, even when working with non-metal materials.
Is there a self-portrait piece that speaks most about you?
I believe all my artworks can represent myself, or at the very least, reflect some aspect of my personality. 'Weave Through I' is one of the pieces that speaks about me. Firstly, it incorporates my favorite color, purple. Secondly, the woven form not only showcases my passion for crocheting but also mirrors my approach to tasks in general. Even for seemingly simple tasks, I tend to contemplate all possible scenarios, often getting entangled in self-reflection, deep thought, and careful consideration. Another significant reason is that I see myself as akin to this concrete material. It's quite different from the conventional perception of concrete, which is often seen as rough, grey, austere, and heavy. In contrast, my concrete can be soft, colorful, and transparent. While I appreciate tradition, I'm more inclined to challenge it. Perhaps this perspective on art creation is characteristic of a Gemini artist.
Which material have you not yet used is a temptation and a challenge for you?
I'm highly enthusiastic about experimenting with various materials. Before I ventured into working with concrete, I explored wood, resin, felt, plastic, and more. I used to have the opportunity to take a glassmaking workshop, where I found the process of blowing glass, shaping glass, and adding texture to be fascinating. I wish I could try to create glass jewelry, combining the fragility of glass with the durability of metals in a unique fusion.
How was the pandemic period for you as a jewelry designer?
I'm fortunate that during the pandemic, I was still a graduate student, so I didn't need to face any financial pressures. I'm truly grateful for the financial and emotional support I received from my parents. The pandemic had a significant impact on my jewelry-making journey. With the closure of the school's studios and the transition to online classes, there was a period when my jewelry creation came to a standstill. However, I eventually adapted to the new creative environment by shifting my studio space to my room. During those days at home, I was also able to hone my 3D design skills, such as Rhino and ZBrush, which further enriched my capabilities.
How do you see the future of contemporary jewelry?
I believe contemporary jewelry is a growing trend. When I first started creating contemporary jewelry, I encountered some skepticism regarding the materials used and the wearability of such pieces. However, there is now an increasing acceptance and appreciation for contemporary jewelry among a broader audience.
