While convergent works have led to detailed classifications and expressions of social issues, they may also limit opportunities to make bolder creative decisions.Laxy Lanxin Zhang interviewed by Klimt02

Tell us about your background. What were your first influences to be creative and become an artist and what has drawn you to contemporary jewellery?
I like being able to observe the differences between people and explore the dynamic beauty of the body and the things it bears upon. I was fortunate to get to know the field of contemporary jewelry design from a friend in second year of studying textile design in Florence where people wearing jellery and objects to tell their individuality, I think contemporary jewelry gives a stage to express that.


How important is networking for you in your professional practice and what are your preferred tools for this?
I see networking as a leading way to new opportunities. Social media or associations such as klimt02 for professional practice as it facilitates relationship-building and collaboration, other good choices like networking events and workshops are excellent alternatives for making meaningful connections and expanding professional horizons.


What are your general thoughts on the contemporary jewellery world, (education, market, development...), where do you see chances and where are dead ends?
From a long-term educational point of view, contemporary jewelry has reached a certain level in terms of technology and diversity, works like The Closestool Ring from chinese virtual jewellery artist RuanGuanXiong and The Fingerring from German artist Nadja Buttendorf provide examples of integrating virtual experiences with other fields such as technology and fashion, attracting a broader audience.

However, while all the convergent works have led to more detailed classifications and artistic expressions of social issues, it may also limit and hinder future opportunities to abandon the traditional jewelry-making approaches and make bolder creative decisions. This is especially reflected in the similarities shows in many contemporary works.


Thinking about your career, what role do technology and the digital play in your artistic development & communication?
I have been working with a range of digital devices and software to assist in capturing and exploring the dynamics of the human body through the eyes of a "third party", holding the belief that the relationship between humans and digital electronic technology is going to become inseparable until merge as one. By intentionally preserving traces and imperfections left by the digital process, viewing these elements as integral to the artwork. This collaboration allows me to blur the boundaries of traditional artistic creation. I embrace this "third party" as a partner in my creative journey, recognizing it as an individual entity rather than merely a tool.


How has your work changed over the past few years and what are you excited about these days?
In the past two years after graduating, I entered the watch manufacturing industry, and was responsible for making shaped watch glasses, which allowed me to gain experience working with glass and wearable metals. I am currently trying to combine glass and metal with digital technology--the final product could be a semi-finished product.