Lynn Zhang

LYNN ZHANG

LYNN ZHANG'S JEWELLERY PIECES MARRY precision craftsmanship WITH ARTISTIC VISION, redefining wearable art. HER CREATIONS CAPTIVATE WITH intricate lines, textures, AND TIMELESS elegance, INVITING VIEWERS TO EXPLORE THE INTERSECTION OF form, function, AND emotion, LEAVING A LASTING IMPACT.

ARTIST STATEMENT

My journey as an artist is deeply rooted in the mesmerising architecture I encountered during my study and travel across Europe. The fusion of these diverse inspirations is evident in my work, where each piece of jewellery serves as a canvas that reflects the architectural marvels and the detailed craftsmanship of ancient traditions. My artistic style bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary, drawing from the rich tapestry of European history and the cultural heritage of India while embracing modern techniques and materials.

I am inspired by intricate details and unique designs discovered during my adventures, which compels me to capture these moments through extensive sketching. These sketches lay the groundwork for my creations, transforming observations into wearable art. My work mirrors the architectural elegance and motifs that have captivated me, alongside the complexity and ornamental beauty of ancient Indian jewellery.

Attention to detail and a steadfast commitment to symmetry infuse my pieces with balance and harmony, while the use of bold, vivid colours inject them with energy and life. In my design process, I constantly experiment with various materials, striving to capture the interplay of light, colour, and structure. This exploration invites the viewer to appreciate the beauty inherent in both the natural and the constructed world.

ARTWORK STATEMENT

My collection is called “Architexture”. My designs express my deep understanding and emotional connection with the architectural lines and recreate the texture. I strive to create unique forms of expression that balance the delicate interplay between simaplicity and complexity, ultimately capturing the essence of my creative vision. The use of silver wire and colourful acrylic in my pieces adds a distinct dimension to my work, which is primarily focused on capturing the beauty and complexity of architecture and stained-glass windows. Through a careful dyeing process utilising acrylics, I sought to emulate the awe-inspiring visual impact of stained-glass windows commonly found in churches. Through my design, I aim to explore the interplay between light, colour, and structure, inviting the viewer to contemplate the beauty of both the natural and man-made world.

Could you share with us your artistic journey as a contemporary jewellery artist, from your early influences to your current practice?

My artistic journey began during high school with the study of fine art. At that time, I was not only passionate about drawing but also began experimenting with making installations. This experience greatly inspired my interest and love for handcrafting. Drawing allowed me to explore the relationships between colour, shape, and space, while creating installation art gave me a deeper understanding of the textures and physical properties of materials and how they interact in three-dimensional space.

I realised the complex dialogue between material and form by making installations myself. I was deeply attracted to works that could tell stories through materials, techniques, and concepts. The process of expressing ideas through creative physical interventions gradually led me to develop a strong interest in metalworking. In my subsequent studies, I experimented with metals in different forms, sizes and textures, thereby creating my own style and craftsmanship.

How has your education at Edinburgh College of Art and Royal College of Art shaped your approach to jewellery design and metalwork?

I believe that my educational experiences at the Edinburgh College of Art and the Royal College of Art played a vital role in my career path as a contemporary jewellery artist. My studies at the Edinburgh College of Art provided me with a solid foundation, focusing on the properties of materials and traditional silversmithing techniques. What I learned there was not just how to create exquisite jewellery but, more importantly, how to integrate personal emotions and stories into my work.

After pursuing postgraduate studies at the Royal College of Art, I realised that the education there was not limited to traditional jewellery-making techniques but also encouraged students to explore new materials, technologies, and even new forms of expression. This experience greatly broadened my design perspective, making me brave in experimenting with my work and continually exploring the possibilities of jewellery art. I began to experiment boldly, incorporating non-traditional materials and modern technologies into my creations, seeking new types of interactions between jewellery, the body, space, and the viewer.

Your work often reflects a fusion of architectural elements and cultural motifs. What inspires your creative process, and how do you incorporate these inspirations into your jewellery designs?

I find my inspiration in the mesmerising architecture that I encountered during my travels throughout Europe, as well as in the ornate and intricate style of ancient Indian jewellery. The intricate details and unique designs that I encountered captured my imagination, and I found myself sketching extensively to document my journey. Using these sketches as a foundation, I began making and designing my jewellery pieces. Each piece reflects the architectural style and motifs that caught my eye, as well as the intricate and detailed style of ancient Indian jewellery transformed into wearable art. My artistic style is a fusion of traditional and modern design elements. I draw inspiration from the rich history and cultural heritage of European architecture and ancient Indian jewellery while incorporating modern techniques and materials into my work.

In your collection "Architexture," you explore the interplay between architectural lines and textures. Could you delve into the themes and concepts behind this collection and how they manifest in your pieces?

I have always been drawn to architectural forms and textures that can evoke emotional resonance, especially those buildings in Europe that display a depth of history and cultural richness. For me, these architectural styles, which I have never seen in my own country, evoke not just curiosity and novelty in my heart but also a sense of grandeur and awe. My work integrates both traditional and modern design elements, drawing inspiration not only from the rich history and cultural heritage of European architecture but also from the complexity of ancient Indian jewellery while incorporating modern technology and materials. In the design process, I particularly focus on translating the lines and textures of these buildings and the fine craftsmanship of ancient Indian jewellery into practical elements in jewellery design. I use silver wire to capture the beauty of architectural structures' lines while employing coloured acrylic to mimic the light and shadow effects of church stained glass windows. This choice of materials and their application allows each piece to uniquely reflect the interplay of light and shadow, as well as the variations of colour under different lighting conditions.

You mentioned experimenting with various silversmithing techniques and materials. Can you walk us through your creative process, from concept development to the final creation of a piece?

While seeking inspiration, I have a particular fondness for sketching outside. This is not merely to capture the scenes that intrigue me but serves as a process of transforming observation into creation. I utilise basic materials such as paper, wire, masking tape, and cotton thread to convert 2D images into 3D models. This method allows the fundamental elements of drawing — dots, lines, and planes —to be transformed into techniques for abstractly creating three-dimensional works. Before finalising my creations, I also explored techniques such as metal folding, forging, and enamelling to determine which craft best suited the expression of my ideas. I found that the symmetrical lines in European architecture profoundly attracted me, explaining why silver wire became my primary medium for expressing creativity. I introduced modern technologies such as laser cutting and welding to refine my works further. These techniques not only expedited the production process but also opened up new possibilities and precision for my work.

Your use of materials, such as silver wire and colourful acrylic, adds a unique dimension to your jewellery. What draws you to experiment with these materials, and how do they contribute to the visual and tactile aspects of your designs?

In the process of jewellery making, many techniques can add colour to design, such as enamelling, colour coding, patination etc., all of which are applied directly to the surface of the metal. I chose to use acrylic because I want people to experience the colourful acrylic discs not only refract colour but also slide along the silver wire with the body's movement. Through experiment, I found that silver wire, with its soft and delicate lustre, brings elegance and traditional beauty to my designs. At the same time, using colourful acrylic allows me to introduce modern, lively, and bold contrasts of colour into my work. This modernity of the material, paired with the traditional aesthetics of silver wire, creates an interesting dialogue.

Could you discuss your approach to material exploration and how it influences the form and function of your jewellery pieces?

Every material has its own unique language and potential, and exploring these possibilities is key to shaping the form and function of my work. My process of material exploration begins with studying the materials themselves, including their physical properties, historical background, and cultural significance. At this stage, I engage in extensive experimentation, testing the limits of materials and how they perform under different treatments. For example, I could dye acrylic into different tones. During this process, I need to know the exact time and temperature for dyeing different tones. From a design perspective, choosing materials like silver wire encourages me to create more fluid and organic forms, while harder materials like acrylic prompt me to explore geometric and structured shapes. Another important reason for using silver wire is its weight, which offers comfort. I want my jewellery to be wearable in our daily lives, so comfort is an aspect I pay close attention to.

Your pieces often serve as wearable art, blurring the boundaries between jewellery and sculpture. How do you envision your jewellery pieces interacting with the wearer and the viewer?

Through meticulous design, I aim to ensure that each piece of jewellery harmoniously complements the form and movement of the body, offering wearers a unique experience as if they are not merely adorned with a piece of jewellery. Still, they are dancing with a piece of sculptural art. The use of materials like silver wire and colourful acrylic not only adds fluidity and an organic feel to my designs but also introduces interactivity and a sense of exploration. This allows wearers to discover different facets of the piece through their everyday movements, enhancing their connection with the art and making the act of wearing jewellery a dynamic and engaging experience.

Your work has been showcased at various prestigious events and competitions. How do you perceive the reception of your pieces, and what impact do you hope they have on the audience?

I have had the privilege of showcasing my work at various prestigious events and competitions. I enjoy communicating with every audience / customer, and sometimes their feedback plays an important role in my development as an artist. It provides me with valuable insights, allowing me to understand the diverse interpretations and emotional connections my work can evoke. Seeing my pieces resonate with people from different backgrounds and spark curiosity and appreciation for crafts and conceptual depth is incredibly satisfying.

In what ways do you believe your jewellery contributes to the broader dialogue within the contemporary jewellery community and the field of art and design?

My work aims to challenge the boundaries of traditional jewellery-making by integrating non-traditional materials and innovative techniques. This approach not only questions the conventional definitions and practices within the jewellery world but also introduces new perspectives and inspirations to the broader dialogue in art and design. Moreover, I consistently avoid using materials that harm the environment, advocating for a more responsible approach to art creation that respects our planet.

What future projects or themes are you eager to explore in your artist practice?

In my future practice, I am committed to delving deeper into the fusion of metals with non-traditional materials and contemporary technologies within my creative process. I aim to explore further innovative interactions between jewellery, the body, space, and the viewers. As a contemporary jewellery artist, I aspire to experiment with a diverse array of materials and presentation forms, continually pushing the boundaries of what jewellery can signify and how it interacts with its environment. This exploration is not just about aesthetic innovation but also about forging new connections and meanings, thereby enriching the discourse within the realm of contemporary jewellery and beyond.

How do you see your work evolving in the future, and what aspirations do you have for your career as a contemporary jewellery artist?

After graduation, I aspire to remain in the UK as a contemporary jewellery artist, where I can continue to focus on the innovation of craftsmanship and exhibit my works in various galleries. Additionally, given the chance, I hope to engage with the contemporary jewellery community through collaboration, education, and mentorship by sharing knowledge and experiences with diverse groups, learning different techniques, or collaborating on projects with individuals from various fields.

ARTIST BIO

LYNN ZHANG (ALSO KNOWN AS NING ZHANG) IS A contemporary jewellery artist. SHE STUDIED fine art IN HIGH SCHOOL, WHICH SUPPORTED HER WITH A VERY CLEAR DIRECTION IN jewellery and silversmithing. SHE PURSUED HER UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES AT Edinburgh College of Art, WHERE SHE DEVELOPED A PASSION FOR EXPLORING various crafts AND EXPERIMENTING WITH diverse materials.

CURRENTLY, SHE IS FURTHERING HER STUDIES AT Royal College of Art, CONTINUING TO EXPAND HER EXPERTISE AND ARTISTIC PRACTICE. Drawing HAS BROUGHT HER THE ABILITY TO VISUALISATION, WHICH IS BENEFICIAL FOR DEVELOPING HER SKILLS IN USING JEWELLERY TO EXPRESS DESIGN IDEAS. SHE HAS A NATURAL AFFINITY FOR JEWELLERY DESIGN AND IS AVIDLY interested in all aspects of jewellery, BE IT THE VARIOUS TECHNIQUES AND MATERIAL APPLICATIONS LEARNED DURING HER UNDERGRADUATE OR POSTGRADUATE EDUCATION OR THE STORIES BEHIND THE WORKS.

REVIEW

Lynn Zhang’s jewellery collection, "Architexture," offers a captivating fusion of architectural influences and contemporary design elements, creating a visually striking and conceptually rich body of work. Lynn's exploration of form, texture, and colour reflects her deep appreciation for the intricate details found in both historical architecture and modern design aesthetics.

One of the most notable aspects of Lynn's work is her adept use of materials, particularly silver wire and acrylic, which adds a distinct dimension to her pieces. The incorporation of silver wire allows her to capture the fluidity and elegance of architectural lines, while the colourful acrylic introduces vibrancy and playfulness to her designs. This juxtaposition of materials creates a compelling dialogue between tradition and modernity, inviting viewers to explore the intersection of art and functionality.

In her "Wire Structure Series," Lynn skillfully translates the complexity of architectural forms into wearable sculptures, each serving as a miniature homage to the grandeur of historical buildings. The meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship are evident in every brooch, necklace, and earring, showcasing Lynn's mastery of traditional jewellery-making techniques alongside her innovative approach to design.

Lynn’s emphasis on wearability and practicality ensures that her pieces not only captivate the eye but also provide comfort and functionality to the wearer. By carefully balancing the size, thickness, and weight of her jewellery, Lynn creates pieces that seamlessly integrate with the body, inviting wearers to engage with their surroundings in new and meaningful ways.

Overall, Lynn's "Architexture" collection stands as a testament to her artistic vision and technical skill. Through her exploration of architectural motifs, innovative use of materials, and commitment to craftsmanship, Lynn pushes the boundaries of contemporary jewellery design, offering viewers a glimpse into a world where art and architecture converge in perfect harmony.