Artist Highlight - Seongmin Kim
Artist Interview and Review
Seongmin Kim is a London-based artist who has been living and working since 2017. She graduated from Central Saint Martins with a BA(Hons) in Jewellery Design, and her extensive background and deep interest in fine arts have led her to explore a path that infuses jewellery with emotional depth and a distinct artistic identity. Her graduate collection, 'Motherly Love,' naturally guided her towards becoming a contemporary jewellery artist, where she discovered her passion for hands-on craftsmanship, allowing each piece to embody a personal and artistic touch. With a deep love for natural materials like pearls and mother-of-pearl, she strives to create timeless pieces that reflect her artistic vision and capture subtle emotions. From January to the end of February 2024, Seong showcased her new pearl collection at the Goldsmiths' Centre exhibition and aims to expand her range of designs and gain recognition through additional exhibitions and offline activities to reach a broader audience. She hopes to share her growth and journey as an artist through pieces that offer unique and symbolic expression.
ARTIST INTERVIEW
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? Do you see this transformation as a metaphor within your work?
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? Do you feel that the wearability of your pieces enhances or challenges these themes?
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? Do you find that the labour involved becomes part of the story your pieces tell?
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.
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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.
REVIEW
Seongmin Kim, a London-based contemporary jewellery artist, is a creator whose work occupies a liminal space between personal narrative and universal symbolism. Graduating from Central Saint Martins with a degree in Jewellery Design, Seongmin’s practice has since evolved into a sophisticated blend of conceptual depth, artisanal craftsmanship, and a reverence for natural materials such as pearls and mother-of-pearl. Her collections are not just adornments; they are intimate reflections on themes of love, coexistence, and the intersection between nature and human artistry. In reviewing Seongmin’s recent works, particularly her “Motherly Love” collection, it becomes evident that her pieces seek to transcend the aesthetic confines of jewellery, offering instead deeply thoughtful, wearable art.
“Parasite Harmony”: A Metaphor Embodied in Material
The central metaphor in Seongmin’s “Motherly Love” collection, which likens the creation of pearls to the relationship between a mother and child, is both poetic and profound. The concept of “parasite harmony” – a pearl forming as a result of an irritant in an oyster – is skilfully translated into her designs. The use of pearls and mother-of-pearl to evoke the nurturing bond between mother and child is a striking example of how an artist can balance metaphor with materiality. The smooth, luminous surfaces of these organic materials echo themes of protection, continuity, and resilience, while also offering the tactile satisfaction that is a hallmark of her jewellery.
One of the most commendable aspects of Seongmin’s approach is her ability to maintain equilibrium between narrative and aesthetic. In lesser hands, the risk might be that a deeply personal story could overwhelm the visual aspect of the work, turning it into a mere vehicle for a message. However, Seongmin avoids this by allowing her materials to speak as much as her themes do. The inherent qualities of pearls and shells—iridescence, fragility, and the contrast between their rough exterior and polished interior—are used not just symbolically but also to create visually arresting and delicately balanced pieces. There is an evident dialogue between the organic forms and the polished design, ensuring that the emotional depth of her work never overshadows its beauty or wearability.
Craftsmanship: An Art in Itself
Seongmin’s practice, heavily rooted in hand-carving techniques, especially with pearls and wax, is a testament to her dedication to the slow, meticulous process of creation. In an era where mass production often diminishes the value of craftsmanship, Seongmin stands apart in her commitment to traditional techniques. The labour-intensive nature of her work, particularly in carving pearls—a notoriously difficult material to work with—lends each piece an authenticity and individuality that cannot be replicated through mechanised processes.
This devotion to craft extends beyond aesthetics. The act of carving, shaping, and refining her materials by hand imbues Seongmin’s jewellery with a sense of timelessness and intimacy. The imperfections and organic qualities of her materials are embraced rather than masked, allowing the wearer to feel connected to the natural origins of the piece. Her process, which involves trial and error, patience, and a willingness to allow the material to guide the final outcome, becomes part of the narrative embedded within each work. This is, perhaps, where Seongmin’s artistry shines brightest—her ability to let the making process itself enhance the story the piece tells. The labour is not hidden but celebrated, becoming an integral part of the final narrative.
Balancing Sustainability with Luxury
One of the more challenging aspects of contemporary jewellery is reconciling the creation of high-end, artistic pieces with sustainability. Seongmin tackles this challenge head-on, not as a hindrance but as an opportunity for creative expansion. Her use of recycled and upcycled materials demonstrates that luxury can coexist with environmental responsibility. The sustainability of her practice does not detract from the elegance or exclusivity of her pieces; in fact, it adds a layer of depth, imbuing each work with the unique histories of the materials themselves.
This balance between luxury and sustainability is most apparent in the way Seongmin selects and transforms her materials. She does not simply repurpose; she reimagines. Her ability to elevate recycled elements into sophisticated, high-end designs is a testament to her skill and vision. While the jewellery industry often emphasises newness and rarity as the hallmarks of luxury, Seongmin challenges this notion by showing that true luxury can also lie in craftsmanship, sustainability, and the meaningful transformation of materials.
Wearability as an Extension of Concept
A key question in evaluating Seongmin’s work is whether its wearability enhances or complicates its conceptual underpinnings. The answer, in Seongmin’s case, is that wearability is integral to her artistic vision. Her jewellery is designed not only to be visually striking but also to be functional, allowing the pieces to become part of the wearer’s everyday life. In this way, the abstract concepts of love, coexistence, and symbiosis are not merely theoretical but are lived and experienced through the act of wearing.
By focusing on comfort and functionality, Seongmin ensures that her pieces do not remain static artefacts but evolve with the wearer. This dynamic relationship between the object and the wearer aligns perfectly with her thematic concerns of symbiosis and harmony. The jewellery becomes “living art,” its meaning and beauty unfolding through daily interaction, allowing the wearer to internalise and reinterpret the abstract concepts that inspired its creation.
A Future Focused on Artistic Growth
Looking to the future, Seongmin expresses a desire to continue expanding her practice, both in terms of materials and mediums. Her intention to integrate painting and sculpture into her jewellery work suggests an exciting evolution that could further blur the boundaries between wearable art and fine art. This interdisciplinary approach has the potential to deepen the conceptual and visual impact of her work, allowing her to explore more complex narratives through a broader range of artistic languages.
Seongmin’s future ambitions—to participate in major exhibitions and craft fairs, and to reach a wider audience—are well-aligned with her current trajectory. There is a maturity and confidence in her work that suggests she will continue to push the boundaries of contemporary jewellery, both in terms of technical innovation and thematic exploration.
Conclusion
Seongmin Kim’s jewellery is a rare fusion of emotional depth, meticulous craftsmanship, and a commitment to sustainability. Her pieces are not merely adornments but carriers of personal and universal narratives, offering the wearer an intimate connection to both the natural world and the human experience. As she continues to evolve as an artist, Seongmin’s work promises to remain as thoughtful as it is beautiful, as meaningful as it is wearable. In an industry often driven by surface-level aesthetics, Seongmin’s jewellery stands out for its substance, its story, and its soul.