Interview with Amir Sheikhvand

Do you think that jewellery is being standardized? What is there of local and universal in your artistic work?
To some degree jewellery might be standardized. However, when a creative mind and a pair of skilful hands meet, it’s hard to believe that the result is something standardized. In the case of contemporary art jewellery, with the use of unconventional materials and conceptual ideas, the standardization is much less visible. In my conceptual pieces like the diamond age I don’t see myself following any trends or standards. On functional pieces I try to think outside of the box with the right choice of material, techniques and compositions.

What do you expect when exposing your work to the public (for example with an exhibition)?
As jewellery is the art of adornment, creating beautiful items that connect to those who find my work wearable is always encouraging. On the other hand, since art jewellery is elitist and not connected to the masses, I believe there is an educational mandate in my exhibits to reach a broader audience and open their mind to other possibilities than the ordinary and mass-produced jewellery.

Are other areas besides the jewellery, present in your work?
We all have a tendency to categorize, classify and name things and this is always based on our knowledge and mindsets. In that sense, I have always mixed my solo exhibitions with conceptual installations and sculptural objects in order to show the strong connection and relationship between the word of fine art, design and craft.

The last work, book, film, city that has moved me was...
The exhibition Assyria to Iberia at the Dawn of the Classical Age at Metropolitan museum was incredibly touching, beautiful and inspiring.

A place, space, country whose creativity surprises me...
The work that I have seen from Estonia is quiet interesting to me and I always admire Dutch artists.

Is there any designer, jeweller, artist, you appreciate a lot?
I really enjoy Maurizio Cattelan’s work. Frank Stella and Charles Joseph Biederman are very inspiring to me as well as contemporary jewellers Christoph Zellweger and Ramon Puig Cuyàs.
 
What piece or work has given you the most satisfaction?
My Garden Series are really connecting all the dots throughout my  years of practice. I can see something in them from different stages of my artistic path. 

Do you read Jewellery Magazines? What is your source to get information?
Yes, beside online forums such as klimt02 and the Art Jewellery Forum, I read Current Obsession and Metalsmith.

Do you discuss your work with other jewellery artists or any other person?
Yes, I often do. I have in-depth conversations with students I mentor and emerging artist I advise.

What is your first thought when you hear the word Future? What do you expect for?
For me Future is a force to move forward, means progress and accomplishment. It’s hard to detach the word Future from the concept of time but I like to see beyond that.