Aisha Khan Portfolio
With a simple, minimalistic approach and motive of capturing the individual found objects, such as glass or rusted metal, in their unique way, Aisha plays on the juxtaposition of precious and nonprecious by transforming discarded material into jewellery. Silver is used as the precious element to hold the pieces together. Therefore, the transformation into jewellery brings forth a new way of looking at that object as something no longer a bit of rubbish. Aisha particularly can develop a harmonious relationship between yarn threads and metal, taking inspiration from the natural subtle colour and pattern from the found objects to emphasise and enhance the materials untypical for jewellery. She uses a contemporary approach to capture found glass pieces and to group the coloured glass to form a colour story while treating them like precious stones. Aisha, a multidisciplinary artist, enjoys experimenting with material and redefining them while having fun in the process. As an artist and jeweller, Aisha is an initiator of a discussion about resources and their use in her jewellery design practice. She hopes to broaden her resources and further explore sustainable and upcycling practices.
Jewellery can be interpreted in many ways and works as a conversation starter. Combining objects or materials to create jewellery is a form of showcasing unique artistry and creative processes. The art of contemporary jewellery provides a window into approaches to capturing ideas and objects in an interesting way.
Using discarded objects found from mudlarks, roadside, or garage sites in the form of jewellery provides them with a new life and shapes our perception of what it is we consider beautiful and precious. These objects are perfectly imperfect, displayed in such a way as to draw attention to their uniqueness in the form of jewellery. The design inspiration reflects the place where the discarded objects were found. How we manipulate and elevate materials that once had another purpose tells of our perception towards them—having the creative vision to see them as something to be worn on the body. Therefore, jewellery provides that outlet for upcycling things that were once discarded, giving them a new purpose. Aisha explores the motto that one person's rubbish is another person's treasure, finding beauty in those found objects.