Industry and architecture inspirations
- Jin Ah studied gemology in South Korea
- Her jewellery is made from architectural materials such as perforated steel
- She documents her work on creative projects in an online blog
A student of Gemology in South Korea, Jin Ah Jo moved to Australia with a friend to discover a different culture. In Melbourne she discovered the thriving contemporary jewellery scene known for its experimentation with materials. She gave up using precious stones and metals, preferring to experiment with materials associated with architecture, such as steel beams and mesh. Jin Ah initially sold her works through galleries. Her work is often project-based and supplemented with a journal published on her website. During Melbourne's lockdown in 2020, she made elegant brooches inspired by the old pipes in her studio. Her artistic work has an unpredictability in the choice of materials and form, that make her aesthetic very contemporary.
Interview
- What was a memorable moment in your professional life?
- I was chosen as one of the 50 contemporary jewellery artists invited to be part of the pop-up concept called LOOT: MAD about Jewelry organised by The Museum of Art and Design in New York. I was so happy to share my art with new people.
- How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?
- I aim to create unexpected wearable forms using materials typically associated with architecture, such as perforated steel. I employ various traditional metalsmithing skills to craft these unconventional forms. I believe this blend of traditional techniques with innovative design anchors my work in contemporary jewellery.
- Do you master any specific techniques?
- I specialise in soldering precious metals such as gold and silver with mild steel. This is called the marriage of metal.
- When and how did you actually start?
- I studied gemology a long time ago before I secured a job in the jewellery industry in Korea. After moving to Australia, I pursued studies in metals and jewellery design at university. In my first year in Australia, I focused on building my portfolio, and the exposure to contemporary jewellery that I gained truly opened my eyes.
Jin Ah Jo is a rising star: she began her career in 2018
Where
Jin Ah Jo
