Spot the Designer - Zhuwei Lu/ USA

What did you want to be when you were a child?

I had many dreams when I was a child, such as becoming a doctor, becoming an archaeologist, becoming an expert in the identification of cultural relics. In short, there are many professions I want to do.

When have you started creating jewelry? How did this passion come about?

Actually, I was not a jewelry student before, but I was very interested in jewelry design since high school. However, I never had a good opportunity to study jewelry design. After I went to college, I thought I still wanted to pursue my dream, so I came to the United States to study jewelry design.

What was your first project or significant piece for you and from what point of view?

My first work is a series of brooches made from the electroforming technique. After I saw electroforming, I thought the texture produced by this technique was very interesting, but at that time I thought it was not interesting to use the ready-made solution, so I started to study the proportion of the solution by myself. It turns out that the final product is indeed very successful.

How do you charge your batteries? What other passions and creative interests do you have?

Usually, I choose to read novels to relieve stress, because I do not have many hobbies, just reading novels and watching variety shows.

What does the connection between manufacturing tradition and contemporary design mean to you？

I have always believed that tradition and modernity are inseparable because we live in a modern society, but that doesn't mean we should abandon tradition. We should embrace tradition, which is the hallmark of who we are.

Is there a self-portrait piece that speaks most about you?

Unfortunately, I don’t like to make pieces about myself.

Which material have you not yet used is a temptation and a challenge for you?

There are many materials that I haven't tried yet, and I think enamel is one of them that I'm very interested in, but I know it will be very challenging because enamel also has very many types. Maybe I'll experiment with it in the future.

How was the pandemic period for you as a jewelry designer?

The pandemic was very torturous for all of us, especially tough as a craftworker, and for almost half a year I couldn't do anything, which was really desperate.

How do you see the future of contemporary jewelry?

I think the future of contemporary jewelry is very bright, especially as a young jewelry designer, we can put more ideas of young people nowadays in jewelry design.

Find more about the designer Zhuwei Lu