Artist Highlight - Seongmin Kim

1. Your ‘Motherly Love’ collection explores the concept of ‘parasite harmony’ through the  creation of pearls, drawing parallels to the relationship between a mother and child. How do  you balance this deeply personal metaphor with the visual and tactile qualities of the jewellery,  ensuring that both the narrative and aesthetic are equally powerful? 

To balance the deeply personal metaphor of "parasite harmony" with the visual and tactile qualities  of the Motherly Love collection, I focus on creating jewellery that combines emotional depth with  refined beauty. Materials like pearls and mother-of-pearl evoke the nurturing and resilient nature of  the mother-child relationship. Their smooth texture and subtle iridescence capture the essence of  maternal protection and love, while their organic origins symbolize "parasite harmony," where growth  and nurturing coexist. The metaphor of it is woven subtly into the design process, allowing the  narrative to emerge naturally without overpowering the aesthetic. The design draws on the concepts of 'continuity' and 'protection', representing a child's journey from  parental care to growth supported by unwavering love. Fluid, flowing shapes visually express this  bond while providing a dynamic, tactile experience. Through my work, I explore how personal  emotions can resonate universally. As a jewellery artist, it has been profoundly meaningful to see how  these pieces, designed for everyday wear, convey warmth and stories, fostering deeper connections  with the wearer. By thoughtfully considering the weight, movement, and interaction of each piece, I  ensure the jewellery evokes emotion, becoming a personal symbol of love, care, and protection. This  balance invites the wearer to appreciate both the visual appeal of the jewellery and its deeper  emotional and symbolic meaning. 

2. Your work often centres on natural materials such as pearls and mother-of-pearl, particularly  focusing on their transformation through your designs. How do you approach the tension  between preserving the organic integrity of these materials and reshaping them through your craftsmanship?

In my work, balancing the preservation of the organic integrity of natural materials like pearls and  mother-of-pearl with transforming them through craftsmanship is a central creative challenge. I  approach this tension with deep respect for the natural beauty and inherent characteristics of these  materials, while also promoting sustainability. Rather than imposing rigid designs, I embrace the  natural shape, imperfections, and texture, allowing these qualities to guide and influence my creative  process. When creating jewellery, I’m not afraid to experiment with different approaches and samples.  The nature of the materials often introduces unexpected imperfections, and through trial and error, I  refine each piece until it achieves the desired result. The transformation of these materials highlights their natural beauty while reinterpreting them in a  contemporary context. This process serves as a metaphor for the relationship between nature and  human intervention, showing how something raw and organic can be reshaped yet still retain its  original essence. It also mirrors the broader themes in my work, such as coexistence and symbiosis,  where the dialogue between natural and crafted elements reflects the harmonious balance between  nature and artistry.

 

3. Your jewellery is inspired by abstract themes like love, coexistence, and symbiosis, which you  translate into wearable art. How do you ensure that these complex and often intangible ideas are  effectively communicated to the audience through form, material, and design? 

To effectively communicate abstract ideas through my jewellery, I focus on form, material, and symbolic  design. I carefully select materials that resonate with the emotional or conceptual themes I want to  express. For example, metals symbolize strength and timelessness, while organic elements represent a  connection to life and sustainability. When I carve organic materials into smooth surfaces, they convey a  sense of calmness and unity. The shapes are often designed with flowing lines and repeated forms,  symbolizing continuity and eternity, reflecting the fluidity, balance, and harmony found in concepts like  coexistence and symbiosis. I also incorporate asymmetrical elements to highlight individuality and dynamic  movement, capturing the uniqueness of human relationships. As for wearability, I believe it enhances the overall message. By ensuring each piece is comfortable and  functional, I allow the wearer to engage more intimately with these abstract ideas, turning them into  personal experiences. Rather than challenging the themes, wearability makes the concepts more tangible,  transforming the art into a part of daily life. In this way, the jewellery becomes ‘living art,’ evolving with  the person who wears it and carrying the abstract ideas with them. 

4. In your statement, you mention a focus on sustainability through the use of recycled and  upcycled materials. Given the delicate and often luxury-oriented nature of contemporary jewellery,  how do you reconcile the creation of high-end, artistic pieces with your commitment to  sustainability? ​

I believe that high-end, artistic jewellery can seamlessly coexist with environmentally conscious practices.  By incorporating recycled and upcycled materials, I not only reduce waste but also highlight the unique  histories and stories embedded within these elements. Sustainability enhances, rather than detracts from,  the luxury aspect, adding depth and authenticity to each piece. While working with repurposed materials  presents its challenges, it often sparks greater creativity in my design process. I carefully select and refine  materials to meet the highest standards of craftsmanship, creating one-of-a-kind pieces that blend  striking beauty with a sustainable, responsible approach to design. Artisanal craftsmanship, with a focus  on quality over quantity, creates high-end jewellery with minimal environmental impact. To me, true  luxury today lies in creating timeless, meaningful jewellery that honors both artistic integrity and the  environment which also can be passed down through generations, reducing the need for constant  replacement. 

 

5. The craftsmanship involved in your jewellery, particularly the techniques of wax carving and pearl  carving, is a central part of your practice. How does the meticulous, time-intensive nature of these  techniques influence your creative process and the final narrative of the work? 

The meticulous, time-intensive techniques of hand-carving, whether in wax or natural pearls, play a  crucial role in shaping my creative process and the final narrative of my jewellery. These methods, which require precision and patience, allow me to achieve a level of craftsmanship and uniqueness that  machine-based techniques simply cannot replicate. Hand-carving wax gives me complete creative  control, enabling the sculpting of intricate, organic forms that reflect the fluidity and individuality of my  concepts. Similarly, hand-carving natural pearls allows me to enhance their inherent beauty,  imperfections, and organic characteristics. Though I often begin with a finalized design, the hand-carving  process offers flexibility for adjustments and refinements, with the unpredictability of the process  sometimes leading to more creative and unique results. This adds a deeply personal touch to each piece,  ensuring it is truly one-of-a-kind. 

The labor involved becomes an integral part of the story each piece tells. It imbues the jewellery with a  sense of authenticity and individuality, reflecting both the maker’s journey and a commitment to  craftsmanship in a fast-paced, mass-produced world. This connection allows the wearer to appreciate  not only the design but also the care, artistry, and dedication behind it.

6. How did your artistic journey begin, and what led you to focus on contemporary jewellery?

From a young age, I’ve been captivated by expressing myself through hands-on creation, using various  materials to craft unique pieces. Whether displaying my work at home or sharing it with others, each piece  became a reflection of my identity, bringing me immense fulfillments. The sense of uniqueness and personal  significance in what I created deepened my desire for these works to be cherished by others as meaningful  and lasting pieces. This naturally led me to aspire to be an artist, one who could infuse everyday life with  something truly special. 

Contemporary jewellery, in particular, resonated with me because of its symbolic and metaphorical beauty,  offering endless opportunities for personal expression and artistic exploration. The recognition and  encouragement I’ve received from those around me have helped me remain true to my artistic vision. As a  result, I’ve been passionately committed to exploring this field, continually seeking to refine and express my  unique voice. Through my work, I aim to give back by creating pieces that bring both beauty and meaning  into people's lives. 

7. What are the main themes or messages you strive to express through your jewellery? 

My work begins with concepts like 'love, coexistence, and symbiosis,' words I believe give life its deeper  meaning. I translate personal emotions derived from everyday experiences, travel, and human relationships  into visual forms, sculpting them into my unique artistic language. Inspired by paintings and sculptures  encountered in exhibitions, I take abstract words and stories that resonate with me and develop them into 3D  forms. Through multiple prototypes, I refine each piece, balancing creativity with technical precision to create jewellery that is not only visually striking but also effortlessly wearable in daily life. 

8. How do you challenge yourself as an artist, and what have you learned from difficulties?

I craft jewellery by hand, carefully carving pearls and mother-of-pearls that capture the natural beauty of light.  With the aim of creating something truly unique and meaningful, I designed the Motherly Love necklace  collection, each piece a rare work of art. To symbolise harmonious relationships, I arranged various forms and  colours in a balanced design, sculpting each element with care. It took numerous prototypes and a great deal  of time to refine the technical aspects, particularly ensuring comfort. While the process was challenging, it  taught me patience and resilience. I’m proud of what I’ve learned, but I know there’s always more to improve  on. Moving forward, I’m committed to continuously learning and refining my craft, dedicating myself to creating  pieces that carry meaning. 

9. What are your future plans or goals as an artist, and how do you see your work evolving in the coming years?

As I continue to grow as a contemporary jewellery artist, my goal is to actively collaborate with galleries and  exhibition spaces to showcase my work and reach a wider audience. In the near future, I plan to participate in  London Craft Week in May and Goldsmiths Fair in October, where I want to present a range of diverse pieces  to engage more directly with the public. I am excited to explore new designs by incorporating hand-carved  wax sculptures, pearls, and other natural materials into my jewellery. Each piece will be one-of-a-kind, crafted  with care and meaning, intended to be cherished for a lifetime. Additionally, I hope to broaden my artistic  scope by integrating painting and sculpture into my practice in further future, allowing me to express my  worldview through various mediums. Ultimately, my goal is for my artworks to bring emotional joy and enrich everyday life.