Alex Kinsley Vey interviewed by Klimt02

Do you think that jewellery is being standardized? What is there of local and universal in your artistic work?
Not any more than it has ever been. I do think jewellery has become more much democratized, it is very easy for people to jump in and create. For better and for worse.
My work draws upon a shared experience of a specific post-industrial city to create the work I do, but I don’t focus too much on the granular details of those experiences and I believe is can relate to any post-industrial city trying to find it’s identity. It is also a way for me to explore and express my own identity by examining what helped create it and translating those feelings and memories into the work.


What do you expect when exposing your work to the public (for example with an exhibition)?’
I don’t go to any exhibition expecting anything. I look for how people respond to the work, how they hold it in their hands, how they view it from multiple angles. Checking the texture of a piece when they think the attendant isn’t looking.


Are other areas besides the jewellery, present in your work?
Architecture in a very crude sense, I have no formal training in architecture, I only trained as a goldsmith.


The last work, book, film, city that has moved me was...
Paris
Hamilton
Toronto


A place, space, country whose creativity surprises me...
Halifax, Nova Scotia. The amount of talented art jewelers coming out of that city is amazing.


Is there any designer, jeweller, artist, you appreciate a lot?
Paul McClure.


What piece or work has given you the most satisfaction?
I like to think I haven’t peaked yet, so I haven’t actually experienced that! My earlier Growth series was rather relaxing to create.


Do you read Jewellery Magazines? What is your source to get information?
From time to time, but most of the information is available online.


Do you discuss your work with other jewellery artists or any other person?
I certainly try! I’m lucky enough to share a studio with many talented artists here in Toronto. It can make for some interesting discussion and feedback.
 

What is your first thought when you hear the word Future?, What do you expect for?
If I’m completely honest, it was the rapper from Atlanta that popped into my mind.
I hope that I can continue making work, visiting new places to exhibit said work, and to keep meeting other artists and makers. I try not to get bogged down in the details of the future as it is always in flux.