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Q1 How did you get into jewellery design? Where did you study and what was your major specialization?
It all started with a very romantic idea, I have always wanted to sell things at the market since I was a child. Being an artist and selling my own creations at the market would be a dream come true. One day, I came across Connie Fox's website. |
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She's a jewellery designer and an educator and my whole world just fell into place. Her jewellery has such an amazing energy and speaks to me personally, I never knew that jewellery could be such an attractive and powerful object. I started to make jewellery and to sell it in the market. Since then I've never looked back..... I completed my Visual Arts Education at Meadowbank TAFE (majoring in Printmaking) and Sydney College of the Arts, University of Sydney (majoring in Sculpture). I also attended a silversmith workshop in jewellery making at our local arts centre.
Q2 What are the special qualities of your design?
I like to see my design as simple and poetic. It projects a positive and loving vibration that seeks to enhance the spirit of the owner.
Q3 Do you usually wear jewelry? What are you wearing now?
I usually wear one of my latest designs. At the moment, I am wearing my new Retro Ring. |
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Q7 What are you working on right now?
Being a Gemini, I am always working on a few different projects at the same time. One of them is my 2008 winter collection It is inspired by the rich chocolate brown colour of the Ebony wooden beads. I like how it takes on a modern and retro looks when it is combined with silver.
Q8 What is your business motto mantra?
The business motto mantra of SilverMonk Design is "Embrace the spirit delight the heart."
Q9 What advice can you give to other independent designers that want to do the same?
Always experiment and never shy away from new technology: Build an internet presence.
Q10 Would you like to add anything for your Japanese fans?
I am hoping to visit the old city of Kyoto one day especially Katsura Palace. |
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Chimin is the artist behind the brand SiIvermonk Design. She was born in Hong Kong and spent her childhood in Hainan Island, China. She went back to her birth place and subsequently when to Taiwan and gained a master degree in Geography. She migrated to Sydney, Australia in 1993. and changed her career from and a Geography teacher to pursue a visual art education. She graduated with an honours in Sculpture from Sydney College of the Arts, University of Sydney.
She has always loved primitive art. She loves the simplicity, the symbolic meaning and the deep spiritual connection with the environment around them!
She started Silvermonk Design, making and selling jewellery at the local Ashfield Market in 2005. These days, you can catch up with her at the Kirribilli Art and Design Market in Sydney. You can also see her latest adventures at http://silvermonk.blogspot.com. |
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Q4 What was your best experience in designing?
My happiest moment is when I am sitting down and making things. I love playing around with materials and just let my creativity flow freely. The moment comes when it takes its form and it can't wait to come out of my hands and makes its presence felt; then I know I've got something special. My best experience is when I see my customer's face light up when they put on one of my pieces of jewellery........
Q5 Who are your fashion icons (past or present)? Do you think they influenced your personal style?
My fashion icon is Akira Isogawa. He is a Japanese - Australian. We have a very similar background in the sense that we both came from the East and pursued our visual art education here in Australia. I greatly admire the timeless beauty and femininity in his fashion design and his humble and respectful way of working with material. |
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Q6 As a jewelry designer, who is your muse?
My 6¾ year old son is my constant inspiration. He is full of life and imagination....... his presence helps me focus on being in the Here and Now. I am also very lucky to have a partner who is working in an artistic field [in architecture] who understands and encourages me to pursue my artistic interest. |
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