Technics and technology is the bridge that connects the idea and realization. Miao He interviewed by Klimt02

What's local and universal in your artistic work?
I feel local and universal is two parts mixed together in my work. By using the language of contemporary jewelry, I make my series of work. The form, the material-choice and the practice that people who familiar with contemporary jewelry field will easily get my point. The part of truly myself, include my background and history, even I don’t explain clearly, it does exist the local meaning somehow.


What do you expect when you show your work to the public (for example, with an exhibition)?
I would like to know how people think about my work and collect the reaction and feedback of the viewers. Because the understanding of others of my work will bring me different thought and unique aspects that I won’t have. It will help me develop more of future creating.


How important is handmade for you in your development? What role does technics and technology play in your development? 
Handmade is the second important part of my work besides the concept. All the thinking and imagination turn to a real thing by hand, technics and technology is the bridge that connects the idea and realization. 


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? 
I start with a kind of emotion or an image in my mind. Once I found what triggers me to have any idea of a new piece, I will draw a sketch first. The plan won’t be finished but have 50% of everything, I will change some part base on the problem I face when I make it.

 
Are there any other areas besides the jewels present in your work?
Yes, I draw as well. 


How important is wearability in contemporary jewellery? And in your pieces? 
I feel contemporary jewelry doesn’t need that much wearability rather than traditional jewelry. I didn’t think about the wearability of my piece at the beginning of my jewelry study either. Now I switch a little bit. I’m looking for a balance between wearable and concept.


The last work, book, film, city that moved me was... 
Latcho Drom, a gipsy film by Tony Gatlif.


What/who is the biggest influence in your career? 
The work which talks about strong emotion and experience influences me a lot, no matter what kind of artwork. The artist I recently like and learn a lot form is Eva Hesse. 


Which piece or job gave you more satisfaction? 
The making process of each piece is the best thing for me. I enjoy most of the work by hand: making jewelry, cooking, drawing and other things. I like to see what I can improve from this piece to the next one, I can understand better of my idea and react to my making.


What is your source to get information?
The details from the ignore part in daily life. I see lots of things every day, and I try to find the sparkling of the moment I think it should be recorded, no matter what and where it is. It maybe sounds very abstract, but those points I’m interested in is a physical thing for me. I try my best to show that in my way.


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?
l will tell myself: don’t be afraid of making mistake, just do what you think about right at the moment, and time will tell you the answer.


Can you describe your personality in 3 words, describe your work in 3 words.  
I am quiet, contradictory and soft.
My work is solid, organic and delicate.