Yuwei Qian

YUWEI QIAN

YUWEI QIAN CRAFTS JEWELLERY THAT SERVES AS A POIGNANT COMMENTARY ON society's increasing dependence on technology. SHE PROMPTS INTROSPECTION ON THE value of time AND THE PROFOUND CONNECTION BETWEEN humanity AND THE DIGITAL REALM.

ARTIST STATEMENT

Yuwei Qian, a graduate of Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, in Jewellery Design, is passionate about exploring the intersection of technology and traditional craftsmanship. Her collection, "iPhone Unavailable," has gained recognition for its innovative approach, offering unique insights into society's increasing reliance on technology.

The "iPhone Unavailable" series was selected to be showcased on the Klimt 02 official website and was named as an observation point in Bright New Gems 2023. Additionally, the bracelet "Low Battery & Full Charged" was collected by the judger of NOVA at the 2023 CSM Degree Show. Yuwei's work also made it to the shortlist of the 2023 Global Design Graduate Show in collaboration with Gucci, highlighting its international appeal and potential. These experiences have enabled her work to engage with diverse audiences and explore new avenues of creative expression.

In 2021, Yuwei obtained the International Gemological Institute (IGI) Pearl Appraiser certification, followed by the IGI Gemologist certification in 2023. These qualifications have deepened her understanding of gemstones and enriched her design process, resulting in jewellery pieces that not only captivate aesthetically but also possess intrinsic value and meaning.

ARTWORK STATEMENT

In today's digital age, electronic devices offer convenience and entertainment, but excessive attachment to mobile phones leads to time wastage and disconnection. This project uses beads to symbolise pixels and data in electronic devices, aiming to raise awareness of phone dependency and promote balance in life. It explores what people see when using phones, including reflections and surroundings, offering beaded screens for iPhones to redirect attention. By prompting observation of the beaded screen, it aims to reduce screen time and encourage mindfulness. Warning icons remind people to observe the world instead of relying on devices, while replacing app notifications with labels discourages unnecessary checks. Misspelt word notifications remind users not to rely solely on auto-complete. Designs for Apple Watch incorporate elements of time confusion, reminding wearers not to be slaves to their phones. Beaded covers for the Apple Watch screen discourage constant checking. Changing the watch strap emphasises its role as a fashion accessory, not just a device. Overall, the project aims to reduce phone dependence and reconnect individuals with the world beyond screens.

Could you elaborate on how you integrate technology and traditional craftsmanship in your jewellery designs?

In my jewellery designs, blending technology with traditional craftsmanship involves a careful balance of contemporary functionality and timeless artistry. In the "iPhone Unavailable" series, I combined traditional weaving techniques with beadwork to create a collection of contemporary jewellery pieces inspired by electronic products, merging ancient crafting methods with modern electronic devices, showcasing the beauty of traditional craftsmanship.

How do you aim to engage viewers with your art beyond mere visual appeal?

In addition to visual appeal, I also aim to stimulate viewers to contemplate their relationship with technology and the surrounding world through my artistic creations. By incorporating everyday elements such as screens, cameras, and information, my jewellery designs serve as tangible reminders, showcasing the impact of technology on our daily lives and encouraging viewers to consider how they interact with digital devices, urging them to seek a healthier balance.

In your "iPhone Unavailable" series, what message or commentary are you conveying about society's relationship with technology?

The "iPhone Unavailable" series conveys a message about society's increasing reliance on technology and the need to reclaim attention from persistent digital distractions. By replacing application messages with labels to signify app unavailability and incorporating warning icons to remind users to observe the world with their own eyes, it emphasises the importance of reclaiming attention from constant digital stimuli.

What inspired your use of mundane elements like screens, cameras, and messages in your jewellery designs?

The mundane elements of screens, cameras, and information are utilized to symbolise our daily interaction with technology. By integrating these elements into my jewellery designs, I aim to highlight the omnipresence of digital devices in contemporary life and encourage viewers to contemplate how technology balances the virtual world with real-life experiences.

Your work often reflects a commentary on contemporary human experiences. How do you hope viewers will interact with and interpret your pieces?

I hope the viewers engage with my works and interpret them as prompts for introspection and reflection on their relationship with technology and the passage of time. By wearing these jewellery pieces, individuals are invited to consider how they use their devices, how they allocate their time, and whether they are fully immersed in the world around them.

Can you share insights into the significance of the titles of your artworks, such as "Fingerprint," "Flare," and "Have a Rest"?

The titles of my art pieces, such as "Fingerprint," "Flare," and "Have a Rest," are carefully chosen to evoke specific themes and concepts related to technology addiction and the value of time. "Fingerprint" symbolises the unique imprint individuals leave on digital devices, "Radiance" represents the light reflection on the screen visible only when the phone is turned off, and "Take a Break" portrays the side view of a phone, encouraging users to set aside their devices and immerse themselves more fully in life, replacing addiction to the virtual world.

How do you envision your jewellery pieces prompting introspection and reflection in the individuals who wear them?

My jewellery pieces trigger introspection and reflection by providing continuous reminders to stop using phones. Whether it's subtle warning icons on phone screen protectors or carefully designed elements on Apple Watch bands, each piece encourages wearers to pause, allocate their time wisely, and reduce the frequency of phone usage.

Could you discuss the process behind creating your intricate beaded designs and the significance of the materials you use?

Each draft of every piece undergoes multiple revisions to ensure the final product aligns perfectly with the intended vision. The process of weaving design demands meticulous attention, with progress marked promptly on the drafts to prevent pattern errors. Even tension is applied when threading to ensure each row of beads aligns evenly. The selection of materials, particularly beads, symbolises the pixels, data, and information woven into our digital devices, serving as tangible emblems of the interconnected digital realm we inhabit.

What do you hope your audience takes away from experiencing your jewellery designs, particularly in relation to the themes of technology addiction and the value of time?

I hope that through experiencing my jewellery designs, my audience can deepen their awareness of their technology usage and gain a new appreciation for the value of time away from screens. By engaging with my jewellery designs, they can reflect on their time and frequency of electronic device usage, make conscious choices, and prioritise meaningful experiences in the physical world.

ARTIST BIO

YUWEI QIAN, A 2023 GRADUATE OF Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, HOLDS A DEGREE IN jewellery design. HER REMARKABLE DESIGNS HAVE GRACED NUMEROUS EXHIBITIONS AND GARNERED RECOGNITION THROUGH THEIR SELECTION IN VARIOUS PRESTIGIOUS COMPETITIONS. DRIVEN BY A PROFOUND PASSION FOR DELVING INTO THE INTRICATE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN humanity and the material realm, QIAN YUWEI EMPLOYS A UNIQUE APPROACH TO HER CRAFT. SHE INGENIOUSLY TRANSFORMS MUNDANE ELEMENTS SUCH AS screens, cameras, and messages FROM watches and phones INTO CAPTIVATING BEADED DECORATIONS. THROUGH THIS INNOVATIVE PROCESS, SHE CRAFTS A SERIES OF DESIGNS THAT SERVE AS POIGNANT REFLECTIONS ON SOCIETY’S PERVASIVE addiction to electronic devices AND THE consequent squandering of time.

QIAN YUWEI’S ART SEAMLESSLY MERGES THE VIRTUAL WITH THE TANGIBLE, OFFERING A PROFOUND COMMENTARY ON THE CONTEMPORARY HUMAN EXPERIENCE. EACH PIECE NOT ONLY CAPTIVATES THE EYE BUT ALSO PROMPTS INTROSPECTION, REMINDING VIEWERS OF THE INHERENT VALUE OF TIME AND THE PROFOUND INTERCONNECTEDNESS BETWEEN HUMANITY AND THE NATURAL WORLD.

REVIEW

Yuwei Qian’s jewellery designs offer a thoughtprovoking commentary on society's relationship with technology, skillfully blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary themes. As a recent graduate of Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, Qian brings a fresh perspective to the world of jewellery design, employing innovative techniques and materials to convey profound messages.

Her collection, "iPhone Unavailable," stands out for its captivating fusion of mundane elements from electronic devices with intricate beadwork. Through pieces like "Fingerprint" and "Flare," Qian explores the ubiquitous presence of screens and cameras in our daily lives, prompting viewers to reconsider their dependence on technology. Each piece serves as a tangible reminder of the importance of mindfulness and balance in an increasingly digital world.

Qian's meticulous attention to detail is evident in every aspect of her work, from the carefully chosen materials to the thoughtfully crafted titles. By incorporating warning icons and misspelt word notifications into her designs, she encourages wearers to pause and reflect on their relationship with technology. The significance of time is a recurring theme throughout her collection, with pieces like "Have a Rest" and "Time Only" serving as poignant reminders of the fleeting nature of life.

In addition to her artistic vision, Qian's technical proficiency is also commendable. Her use of Miyuki Delica beads and monofilament demonstrates a mastery of traditional beadwork techniques, while her incorporation of magnets, earring pins, and brooch backs adds functionality to her pieces. Each creation is meticulously crafted, with attention to detail evident in every stitch and weave.

Overall, Yuwei Qian's jewellery designs offer a unique blend of artistry and social commentary, inviting viewers to contemplate their relationship with technology and the passage of time. With her innovative approach and meticulous craftsmanship, she is undoubtedly an artist to watch in the world of contemporary jewellery design.