Description
As an international student from China living in the United States, the new environment and difference in culture was a huge challenge. During this period of time, I was often misunderstood and the main reason for this was because of language. Furthermore, my introverted personality made me very anxious when I was having conversations with people. Fortunately, I found a way to meet new people -contemporary art jewelry. Using contemporary art jewelry to meet and interact with new people was not as easy as it seemed to be. In my final project for my graduate study, I came up with "PLEASE" TO MEET YOU. This project illustrates the moment when I first meet someone and try to make a new friend. This moment is divided into seven steps: eye contact, smile, greeting, handshake, conversation, hug, and exchange of contact information. Each step is presented in an individual locket necklace using different gestures. The form of this work was inspired by the locket necklace. Lockets are often kept close to the wearer, which relate to an introverted personality. Each locket has a window that allows people to see what is inside. Through this, I hope that people will be curious and open the locket. As each locket is opened, my invitation for interaction, and perhaps friendship, may be understood. Brass, polypropylene and photograph transfer on enamel were the materials used. The seven pieces were created using metalsmithing techniques such as soldering, die forming and enameling. Throughout the process of this final project, the work of artists Yoko Ono, Candy Chang, and Sun Kyoung Kim influenced me greatly. Although these artists specialize in different art fields, their works seek to interact with people. "PLEASE" TO MEET YOU was exhibited in the Flor y Canto Gallery at San Diego State University from September 11th through the 17th. Images of this project are on file at the School of Art + Design at San Diego State University.
