The combination of traditional silver material and modern paper innovatively expresses the artistic characteristics of contemporary jewelry design. Liqi Chen interviewed by Klimt02

What's local and universal in your artistic work?
Feng Ming Qishan, Beiming you yu. Inspired by the mythical phoenix in Chinese mythology and the singer from the fish to the bird, the feathers of the Phoenix and the scales of the Kunpeng are the inspiration for my work, extracting them for repetitive regular arrangement, producing a different rhythm. The beauty of rhythm, red and blue is the main theme of my work.
This series of works, through the combination of paper material and silver, constitutes a shape with obvious spatial characteristics, rich color information and strong emotional expression. Paper of different colors and materials is cut into the shape of phoenix feathers and phoenix scales by advanced techniques. Through the arrangement of feathers and scales, a rhythmic aesthetic is produced. The combination of traditional silver material and modern paper innovatively expresses the artistic characteristics of contemporary jewelry design. The use of large red and black and white with Chinese tradition in color enhances the visual impact of the work and gives a strong oriental flavor.


What do you expect when you show your work to the public (for example, with an exhibition)?
I hope that more people can wear the works I made and communicate more with visitors through the works.


How important is handmade for you in your development? What role does technics and technology play in your development?
It plays a big role, and the handwork can reflect the texture of the work. Correspondingly, many of our works are inseparable from the combination of craftsmanship and technology. For example, technology can overcome the problems of complex shapes and fine structures that are difficult to make by hand.


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?
Before designing, I’ll collect a lot of information and then communicate with my tutor. In general, the pre-formulated plan include what to do, what materials to use and what kind of work effect to present. The work is determined by the material.


Are there any other areas besides the jewels present in your work?
It’s skyrocketing. I like many beautiful things in Chinese culture. Hanfu, folding fan, ink, rice paper, etc., hope to express their charm through the works in the future.


How important is wearability in contemporary jewellery? And in your pieces?
If we want the design to become commercial jewelry, then wearability is very important. I made a lot of small rings that I hope people can wear them every day.


The last work, book, film, city that moved me was...
There are so many works, books and movies that I am moved by, such as The Lady of the Camellias, The Tale of Genji, The Shawshank Redemption, Design Of Death, Lord of War and so on. Touched by the city, I think that my hometown of Hangzhou is the place that touched me the most. Every step of my growth is recorded in this city.


What/who is the biggest influence in your career?
My university teachers, they brought me into the world of jewelry.


Which piece or job gave you more satisfaction?
I still don't have the most satisfying work, I want to make better work in the future.


What is your source to get information?
Network and magazine


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?
It is most important to master the basic skills.


Can you describe your personality in 3 words, describe your work in 3 words.
Enthusiasm, careful and freedom.