Chelsea Xiaoyu Li

CHELSEA XIAOYU LI

CHELSEA XIAOYU LI'S JEWELLERY BLENDS contemporary design WITH traditional craftsmanship, EXPLORING cultural hybridity AND personal identity. THROUGH INNOVATIVE USE OF MATERIALS, HER WORK INVITES reflection, APPRECIATING cultural interconnectedness.

ARTIST STATEMENT

Chelsea Xiaoyu Li’s work spans contemporary jewellery, traditional crafts, and painting. Her work is rooted by her personal experiences and traditional craftsmanship. The primary mediums of her work include jade, metals, and mix materials. She emphasises the relationship between contemporary art and traditional craft, further, to explore the interaction between self-identity and cultural hybridity. The temporality of traditional craftsmanship fascinates her, and also inspires her to create historical and stunning artwork. Her jewellery aims not only to make jewellery but also to create stunning pieces that transcend time and space.

ARTWORK STATEMENT

“Hybrid is not a third term that resolves the tension between two cultures’ but rather one that holds the tension of the opposition and explores the spaces inbetween fixed identities through their continuous reiterations.” —— Homi K. Bhabha, Third Space 1994: 113.

Stones Set Stones emphasises the mutual influence and exchange between different cultures, suggesting that culture is not a closed, singular entity, but rather a fusion of multiple elements. It breaks traditional inlay methods by using jades to set gemstones. Through this combination, the visual contrast between the two stones highlights their inherent coherence, inspiring the audience to contemplate the relationship between personal identity and hybrid society.

Could you share with us your artistic journey as a jewellery artist, from your early experiences in painting to your exploration of traditional crafts and contemporary jewellery making?

I've had a strong interest in the art field since childhood. I began systematically learning painting skills in middle school in order to have a better understanding of art and enhance my artistic creation. I ended up majoring in jewellery in college by chance, then inspired by artist Otto Künzli and The Book, I started to continue my art creation in the contemporary jewellery making field. My creative process focuses on research methods and emphasises the communicative function of the work.

As an artist with a multicultural education background, has enabled me to examine the relationship between collective and personal identities from various cultural contexts. The temporality of traditional craftsmanship, as well as its representation of geographical cultures and history fascinates me. Rooted by traditional craftsmanship to explore personal identity is an effective way to narrative the interaction between individual and cultural hybridity.

Your work bridges contemporary jewellery with traditional craftsmanship. What inspires this fusion of mediums, and how do you explore the interaction between self-identity and cultural hybridity in your jewellery pieces?

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Can you share any specific artists, movements, or cultural influences that have inspired or influenced your artistic practice, particularly in the realm of contemporary jewellery making?

Otto Künzli's "The Book" is one of the seminal books that enlightened me in the field of contemporary jewellery. It features interdisciplinary conceptual works by hundreds of artists. This book has guided me to attempt breaking the boundaries of jewellery, and paying more attention to individuality, innovation, and dialogue with contemporary culture.

Personal identity is always the theme explored in my works. The theories and philosophy expounded by Walter Benjamin suggest that various forms of artistic creation and design are rooted in and revolve around human experience. Identity stems from experience, and experience shapes identity. This theory inspires me to engage in narrative creation based on personal experiences through the process.

In your artistic practice, what techniques and processes do you employ to seamlessly integrate materials such as jade, metals, and gemstones into your jewellery designs?

Carving techniques are the most commonly used techniques in Stone Set Stone. In the gemstone crafts of various cultures, carving techniques are a crucial aspect. Stones are not traditionally recognized as a perfect choice for setting gemstones, so precise carving dimensions to allow the stones fit as seamlessly as possible is the key focus through the process.

Your artwork "STONE SET STONE" showcases an innovative approach to traditional inlay methods. Could you delve into your creative process and the significance of using jades to set gemstones in this collection?

It breaks traditional inlay methods by using jades to set gemstones. Through this combination, the visual contrast between the two stones highlights their inherent coherence, which are all stones. STONE SET STONE emphasises the mutual influence and exchange between different cultures, suggesting that culture is not a closed, singular entity, but rather a fusion of multiple elements, inspiring viewers to contemplate the relationship between personal identity and hybrid society.

"STONES SET STONES" invites viewers to contemplate the relationship between different cultures and personal identity. How do you envision viewers interacting with and interpreting the visual contrasts and coherence within your jewellery pieces?

I envision that these pieces could enable viewers to directly perceive the amalgamation of two materials, prompting them to reflect on how their own cultural background would create such an assemblage, thus seeking their personal identity.

Your work has gained recognition in prestigious publications and events such as Marie Claire China and London Fashion Week. How do you perceive the reception of your jewellery pieces, and what impact do you hope they have on promoting dialogue about cultural hybridity?

Traditional craftsmanship, as a material medium, narrates the interaction between cultural hybridity and personal identity. At the same time, I hope to draw attention to the development of the traditional craftsmanship field, and I look forward to seeing more traditional craftsmanship integrated into various aspects of contemporary art.

What future themes or concepts are you eager to explore in your artistic practice, and how do you see your work evolving to continue challenging perceptions of traditional crafts and contemporary jewellery?

For my current work, Identity, history, and culture are the main themes. People’s social and cultural identities keep flowing, I am looking forward to documenting the process through jewellery.

ARTIST BIO

CHELSEA XIAOYU LI IS A jewellery artist BASED IN LONDON. SHE BEGAN STUDYING painting in her childhood AND DELVING INTO ARTISTIC CREATION IN THE FIELD OF JEWELLERY IN COLLEGE. FOCUSED ON JEWELLERY MAKING, SHE GRADUATED FROM BEIJING INSTITUTE OF FASHION TECHNOLOGY IN 2021 AND COMPLETED HER MASTERS IN Jewellery & Metal AT THE Royal College of Art IN 2023. HER WORKS WERE FEATURED IN Marie Claire China AND London fashion week.

REVIEW

Chelsea Xiaoyu Li's jewellery pieces stand as a testament to the transformative power of artistry, seamlessly blending contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship. Through her innovative use of materials and meticulous attention to detail, Li creates works that transcend mere adornment, inviting viewers into a world where cultural hybridity and personal identity converge.

One of the most striking aspects of Li's work is her deft exploration of the relationship between different cultures. In pieces like "STONES SET STONES," she challenges traditional notions of inlay methods by incorporating jades to set gemstones. This bold fusion of materials not only creates visually stunning contrasts but also prompts viewers to contemplate the interconnectedness of cultural traditions. Li's jewellery becomes a canvas upon which the narratives of diverse cultural experiences are woven together, offering a profound meditation on the fluidity of identity in our globalised world.

Furthermore, Li's craftsmanship is nothing short of exemplary. Each piece is meticulously crafted with a keen eye for detail, showcasing her mastery of carving techniques and metalwork. The precision with which she manipulates materials speaks to a deep understanding of her craft, elevating her jewellery to the realm of wearable art.

In addition to her technical prowess, Li demonstrates a remarkable ability to infuse her work with conceptual depth. Drawing inspiration from her multicultural background, she explores themes of self-identity and cultural hybridity with thought-provoking nuance. Her jewellery becomes a vehicle for storytelling, inviting viewers to engage in a dialogue about the complexities of cultural exchange and personal heritage.

Overall, Chelsea Xiaoyu Li's jewellery artistry represents a harmonious union of tradition and innovation. With each piece, she challenges preconceived notions and expands the boundaries of contemporary jewellery making. Her work serves as a testament to the power of art to transcend cultural barriers and foster deeper connections between individuals and communities. As she continues to push the boundaries of her practice, Li undoubtedly remains a force to be reckoned with in the world of contemporary jewellery.

Review by Sara Chyan