YJ Lin Studio, Jewelry
United States/ United Kingdom
The studio portrays sisterhood strengthened with love of jewelry. Yi-Chen, based in NYC, received a BFA Jewelry at Pratt Institute. Ji-Ru is pursuing a Master in Jewelry and Related Products at BCU, UK. They were born and raised in Taiwan, inspiring each other in the jewelry community from across the world.
When did you start dedicating yourself to the world of contemporary jewelry?
Yi-Chen: Along with Ji-Ru, I begin my art journey since childhood. It all started from the first vist of our art studio. I enjoyed giving stroke marks on surfaces through painting mediums. I got into handmade ceramic and I was intrigued by its cability to physically manipulate the materials. Later when entered college, I recognized jewelry as a small-scale sculpture, engaging both design sketches, and hand fabrication. Jewelry allows wearers to speak his/her voice, simply like a statement carried mobily by individuals.
Ji-Ru: At first, I was interested in sculpture, but the size of sculpture often is large. Then I found that jewelry is something that involves the same quality as other sculpture, but smaller and more delicated to handle with, which fits my personality. I like the way how jewelry can be shown on any regular days becasue it can be wore on bodies.
- What do you take inspiration from when you start creating a new collection?
Yi-Chen: Interpresonaly relationship has been a source of my inspiration.
Ji-Ru: Some nature and organic shape in life.
- What kind of work or material do you prefer?
Yi-Chen: Silver and Fabric
Ji-Ru: Silver and some different material like Jesmonite and thread.
- What are your points of reference in the world of contemporary jewelry and art?
Yi-Chen: My reference goes to relationships of all kind and from there, I explore materiality and the world of contemporary jewelry.
- Three words with which you would describe the Artistar Jewels project.
Community, Innovation, Contemporary
- What do you think of the jewels that were on show this year? Have you been fascinated by any particular creation?
We enjoyed the show! Especially it was our first show in Milan, it was absolutely a precious experience to participate a contempory jewelry exhibition across from the historical Doumo. We spoke to Federica Portaccio and Sozo. It was inspiring to share stories and experiences with them.
- How would you define the atmosphere created on the 22nd and 23rd February nights of Artistar Jewels 2018?
We enjoyed the open environment which we had the opportunities to open conversations and explore Contenporary Jewelry altogether with talented artists/designers.
- Would you recommend to other artists to take part in Artistar Jewels? YES!
- What were the services / opportunities that most pushed you to participate in the event?
It was such an opportunity to meet many talented artists from all over the world and exchange ideas and knowledge. How inspiring! The excellent exposure from jounalists online made the show beyond successful, too.