The idea of learning new things still excites me. Danni Xu interviewed by Klimt02

What's local and universal in your artistic work?
The local of my works are my observation in daily life and experience or challenges that I had. My current works were directly inspired by my childhood experience and how I have grown, as an individual, ever since I studied abroad from 2011. The universal of my work is how I took the experience that I had, and turn them into a narrative presentation to share my story with the audience. In my personal narrative, I seek to use forms that are simple and organic, but with details that will reveal with a closer view.
 
 
What do you expect when you show your work to the public (for example, with an exhibition)?
Having the opportunities to showcase my work is important to me, not only because of the publicity but also I do want people to experience the narrative that I am trying to convey through my works.   
 
 
How important is the handmade for you in your development? What role does technics and technology play in your development?
The handmade process is the reason that I choose to start my career in this field. The process of turning ideas into tangible objects becomes excitement that drives me to keep making new bodies of work.  In my current body of work, I utilized a laser cutter to create an identical silhouette in order to imbedded my vitreous enamel element. However, I don’t think the techniques are as important as they used to be in my practice. Learning new techniques would help me understand and appreciate other’s works better, and the idea of learning new things still excites me in lots of ways. To me personally, I would say to take on the techniques that speak to you the most and have a conversation with them.


When you start making a new piece what is your process? How much of it is a pre-formulated plan and how much do you let the material spontaneity lead you?
With my current body of work, I often start visualizing what I want to make as an outcome first. And then take them into smaller components. Because the process involved with sophisticated layering each component and I need to make sure the enamel components will fit into the case perfectly. The color of my work often associated with the inspiration that leads to that creation, this is the part where I would leave for the material spontaneity leads me.
 

Are there any other areas besides the jewels present in your work?
I make mostly jewelry in my present work, occasionally I do form and raising vessels to create the extended body of work. 


How important is wearability in contemporary jewellery? And in your pieces?
I do believe in the importance of wearability in contemporary jewelry. It does not necessary to be the conventional format of brooch, ring or necklaces in order to wear it. I see my current body of work as a hybrid of jewelry and sculpture.


What/who is the biggest influence in your career?
I would say I have two influencers in my career. I started with hospitality and event planning major and was taking some art classes in college. My two mentors, Professor Nicole Jacquard and Professor Randy Long saw the sparks in my creation and took me into the Metals BFA program. And of course I never worked in the hotel again after I graduated, and here I am.


Which piece or job gave you more satisfaction?
I completed a one-year Artist-In-Residence program at Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago. This is my favorite experience so far. Giving myself much in-depth to understand what we can do in our field, including teaching classes & workshops, curating exhibitions, involving with community outreach. Most importantly, I created a new body of works summarize my personal experience.


What is your source to get information?
Klimt02, SNAG, and other social media platforms.


Considering the experiences you have had over the years - if you could go back and give yourself a piece of advice for the start-up phase, what would that be?
Don’t hesitate to take the initiative and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.


Can you describe your personality in 3 words, describe your work in 3 words.
Determined, patient, creative.