The work will have my ideas, aesthetics, cognition, feelings during the making process. Yonghui Duan interviewed by Klimt02

What's local and universal in your artistic work?
My living environment is a global environment, so what I see, hear and feel may be the daily routine of global people. So the starting point of my work is usually something more global. After my reflection and record, it will become local. Because the work will have my ideas, aesthetics, cognition, feelings during the making process.


What do you expect when you show your work to the public (for example, with an exhibition)?
Most of my work is interactive. I hope that the audience can interact with my work if the exhibition conditions permit. Through interaction, they may be more impressed with my work and concepts. I also expect the audience to resonate with me. This feeling may come from some details in my work, such as pictures of my work.


How important is handmade for you in your development? What role does technics and technology play in your development?
During the handmade process, I can perceive various properties of the material, such as texture, hardness, density, etc. I can stop at any time and change my plan or idea according to the form of the work at that time.
I enjoy learning traditional crafts or researching new technics. Each of these technics has a unique charm, and I was once fascinated by it. In the process of learning technics, I always think about how these techniques can be applied to my works, which can often inspire my creation. Or, based on the needs of my work, research new craftsmanship that fits the work.
Technology can improve my productivity and help me achieve my expected results. There are many geometric forms in my works, and they can be produced very well by technological methods such as lathes and laser cutting. When I hesitate the scale, angle and other details of the work, I can draw more versions in Rhino to choose the best visual effect.


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?
When my brain gets excited about this new piece, I will start making it.
There was an idea in my head that repeatedly touched me, and then I began to think about what suitable materials, structure, and wearability can appropriately express this idea. I even started to imagine what kind of context to take photos can express the concept of the work. When I have some answers, I will be excited and can't wait to start making this new work.
If I use a new material or technology, the unknown results brought by the material or technology will guide my creative direction.


Are there any other areas besides the jewels present in your work?
I like that my work has multiple functions, and I have been exploring in this direction. For example, my work plastic into bodies, these works are a tool for eating, but also an object, a piece of jewellery.


How important is wearability in contemporary jewellery? And in your pieces?
The most basic function of jewellery is wearing. I think that as a creator, I should make full use of this function to convey my concept. When people wear jewellery, they interact with it. I will think carefully about how the jewellery interacts with the body, where to wear it, and why it is here. This interaction is undoubtedly an important way to help the wearer understand the concept of jewellery.
All the piece in my collection- plastic into bodies is worn on the hand because a keyword in the concept is eating. We use spoons, chopsticks and forks to eat with our hands. My work is like these tools to eat. During use, blue, degradable particles like plastic can come out of the tool to remind people that plastic is entering your body from food.


What/who is the biggest influence in your career?
I am a person who likes reflection, and people and things around me will have some influence on me.


What is your source to get information?
Social media is often a starting point for me to get information, such as WeChat, Instagram and YouTube. When I am interested in this information and want to explore more, I will start to discuss with others, find and read articles, books, and thesis about it.


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?
Do all you can to learn from the resources around you.


Can you describe your personality in 3 words, describe your work in 3 words.
My personality: Creative, Positive, Cautious.
My work: Playful, Geometrical, Contemporary.