Shirley Li

Central Saint Martins Jewellery 2014 - III

Here we feature the third in a four part series of short interviews with designers from the Central Saint Martins Jewellery 2014 show, including in this article – Raven Tuson, Robyn Hole, Ruiyin Lin and Shirley Li.

For the second year, we have been working with the students designers of the Central Saint Martins Jewellery Design course. We will be awarding a Winterson Prize to one of the students for 'The Best Use of Pearls' at Jewellery Awards Evening on 19th June.

Read about some of the other designers in Part I, Part II and Part IV of our interviews here. Discover the Winner of the Winterson Prize 2014 here.

RAVEN TUSON


Raven Tuson


 

Tell us a little bit about yourself


I am always bursting with ideas and like to express these by trying out new materials and methods. I enjoy visiting museums and being creative by capturing inspiration from sketching and photography.



What was the inspiration for this collection?


The focus of this collection is the lifecycle of architectural structures and how, over time, they are transformed by the natural world. The collection aims to portray the stages of transition from cradle to grave, with the pieces representing a milestone in the buildings lifecycle.


Each stage is expressed through a varied use of materials with delicate lines of silver wire and chain representing the architectural structure and fine silver granules and a mixture of stones appearing as natural growths on the pieces.



What have you discovered about working with pearls?


Using pearls was a great way of introducing my work to using real life grown formations and offered my jewellery a natural element.



What’s next for you after CSM?


I intend to continue with designing and making, creating many more collections and building my own business.



What is your most treasured piece of jewellery?


The brooch as it collects all my significant elements in one piece.



Name one jewellery toolbox essential that you can’t live without?


My files as it allow me to create perfect angles for geometric effects.



ROBYN HOLE


Robyn Hole


 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.


I have been designing /making jewellery for the past 3 years and I enjoy experimenting with materials and ideas. Finding a good concept keeps me interested and always thinking.



What was the inspiration for this collection?


The metamorphosis of a beetle was the inspiration for this collection.



What have you discovered about working with pearls?


I have learnt a lot about pearls during this project and I have learnt that silicone can be used as a vehicle to enhance small pearls and make them look bigger. I have also learnt that the lustre of the pearls is very important.



What’s next for you after CSM?


After CSM I would like to create my own business selling jewellery, I would like to explore further the use of pearls and silicone.



Which designer or artist do you most admire?


Vivienne Westwood, because she pushes boundaries more than most.



What’s your motto?


Anything is possible and everything happens for a reason.



RUIYIN LIN


Ruiyin Lin


 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.


I am drawn to the aesthetics of the past as a way of preserving our memories and I adore the new with its unknown future.



What was the inspiration for this collection?


I wanted to create a collection that is both a tribute to the past and a prelude to the future, to explore our intuitive comfort of the familiar by taking traditional forms and subverting them with contemporary attitude and techniques.



What have you discovered about working with pearls?


Pearls are so hardy it sometimes still surprises me. I’m in love with how pearls are formed.


Mixing modern materials with pearls allow me to create a bridge between the processes of construction. Layers of nacre form pearls, and 3D printing is a process that is likewise built in layers. I hope to question the perceived preciousness of these materials and their authenticity.



What’s next for you after CSM?


I’m hoping to set up a jewellery and furniture studio.



Name one jewellery toolbox essential that you can’t live without.


My hands.



What’s your motto?


Stay hungry, stay foolish. – Steve Jobs



SHIRLEY LI


Shirley Li


 

Tell us a little bit about yourself.


My name is Shirley Li. I am a jewellery design student at CSM, sick with design but I love art.



What was the inspiration for this collection?


The collection inspired by jewellery in famous oil paintings. I am trying to remake them and redefine their value.



What have you discovered about working with pearls?


It is a material that has lots of possibilities for use. Especially in my collection I made fake pearls with resin and wood. Mixing pearl powder in paints and using that to paint a new fake pearl. It is a process of deconstruction that redefines the value of pearl.



What is it that makes a piece of jewellery a design classic?


Full of designer’s love, a look that is simple outside and unique inside.



Name your favourite place for design in London.


No doubt, it is Central Saint Martins.

Image Credits:

With thanks to Shirley Li

Junko Kurihara

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Central Saint Martins Jewellery 2014 - II

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Central Saint Martins Jewellery 2014 - IV

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