The opportunity lies in creating pieces that carry deep personal and emotional meaning, which can resonate across various art genres and continue to gain attention. Seongmin Kim interviewed by Klimt02

Tell us about your background. What were your first influences in being creative and becoming an artist, and what has drawn you to contemporary jewellery?
From a young age, I was inclined to express my thoughts by creating small objects with my hands, experimenting with various materials. As I pursued my studies in fine arts, I became captivated by the boundless freedom that comes with transforming raw materials into something entirely new. I often found myself so immersed in the process that I would lose track of time. The sense of uniqueness and specialness I felt in the objects I created deepened my desire for them to be cherished by others as meaningful pieces over time.

This naturally led me to aspire to become an artist who could bring something special into everyday life. I was particularly drawn to contemporary jewellery because it represents a form of art that can be worn and appreciated as a meaningful, independent expression. It embodies symbolic and metaphorical beauty, offering opportunities for both personal and artistic exploration. This allure captivated me, and I have been passionately exploring the field ever since, continuously striving to discover and articulate my unique voice within this art form.


How important is networking for you in your professional practice, and what are your preferred tools for this?
Networking is essential in my professional practice as a contemporary jewellery artist. It enables me to build meaningful relationships with other artists, collectors, curators, and industry professionals, which is crucial for staying inspired, exchanging ideas, gaining feedback, and expanding my reach.

Networking also opens doors to opportunities for exhibitions, collaborations, exposure, and further growth. My preferred networking tools include social media platforms like Instagram, which is particularly valuable for visual artists. It allows me to showcase my work, engage with a global audience, and connect with like-minded individuals. I believe that being part of a community like Klimt02 will further enhance my ability to actively participate in industry events, exhibitions, and online and offline workshops.

Connecting with other creatives and professionals will help me strengthen existing relationships and build a supportive community around my work, keeping me motivated on my creative journey in the contemporary jewellery field.


What are your general thoughts on the contemporary jewellery world, (education, market, development...), where do you see chances and where are dead ends?
Contemporary jewellery is a dynamic form of wearable art that merges tradition with innovation, exploring modern materials and reinterpreting traditional ones. With no restrictions on form, material, or medium, it allows artists to express their voices clearly, establishing itself as a significant area of contemporary art. The opportunity lies in creating pieces that carry deep personal and emotional meaning, which can resonate across various art genres and continue to gain attention.

Contemporary jewellery, with its bold designs and craft-based experimentation, serves not only as decoration but as a medium for conveying artistic, philosophical, and social messages in an increasingly mechanised world. These pieces become a powerful form of self-expression, highlighting the artist's and wearer's identity and individuality. However, the mass production and commercialisation of art in today's trend-driven market can sometimes overshadow the value of craftsmanship and emotional depth. Despite this, as society places greater value on individuality and irreplaceable uniqueness, I believe the significance of contemporary jewellery will continue to grow.

By focusing on creating meaningful statement pieces, there is a clear pathway to success and fulfilment in the contemporary jewellery world.


Thinking about your career, what role do technology and the digital play in your artistic development & communication?
Technology and digital innovation have significantly broadened the scope of my creative possibilities and the ways I connect with others. Tools such as design software enable me to explore various forms and materials with greater efficiency, allowing for extensive experimentation and refinement of ideas before translating them into physical pieces through traditional carving or crafting techniques. These digital resources also make it possible to develop intricate and precise designs that would be challenging to achieve by hand alone.

From a communication perspective, digital platforms have been invaluable for reaching a global audience. Social media and online portfolios provide a dynamic space to present my creative process, engage with potential clients, collectors, and collaborators, and share completed works. Additionally, communities like Klimt02 offer vital opportunities for networking and staying informed about the latest trends and innovations within the contemporary jewellery scene.

Ultimately, technology and digital tools enhance both my artistic development and my capacity to interact with the broader art community, supporting my growth and evolution as a jewellery artist.


How has your work changed over the past few years and what are you excited about these days?
I have always enjoyed experimenting with natural materials and those that can be softly carved to create sculptural objects. I particularly love the process of carving through techniques like wax carving, stone carving, and pearl carving, where I transform the original form into my own design using both my hands and tools.

Through my graduation collection, 'Motherly Love,' I became captivated by the luminous beauty of pearls and mother-of-pearl. The nine pieces I meticulously crafted for this collection have been instrumental in shaping my current direction as a jewellery artist.

Each piece requires a hands-on approach to achieve its final form, embodying both the beauty of craftsmanship and a design that is easy and accessible for anyone to wear. Moving forward, I am excited to create a wider range of pieces based on my signature ‘Pearls in Pearls’ design.

My goal is to gain recognition as an artist through exhibitions and offline activities, reaching a broader audience. Before that, I plan to showcase my work across various platforms, sharing my growth and journey as an artist.