Yu-Yang “Winston” Wang
Juror: Aimee Golant
What led you to study metalsmithing/jewelry making? Please mention your school and year of study.As a 2017 graduate of California College of the Arts with a bachelor in jewelry and metal art, I’ve had several years of experiences in illustration and graphic design through my high school experiences in Taipei, Taiwan.
Prior to my college career, 2D design is where my interest lies. Yet, I still wanted to step out of my comfort zone and explored something more than 2D design, that’s when I came across CCA.
In the beginning of my first semester of college, I thought metal art means fine jewelry making, but Professor Marilyn da Silva showed me how limitless art jewelry is, and she helped shaped my understanding of the value of handcrafting. From there, I’ve started my path of jewelry making.
What intrigues you most about this field/craft?
Handmade objects contain maker’s personalities profoundly. During my four years of jewelry art study, I realized the value of crafts. By using my own hands and senses, I feel the metal stretch, heat up, and all the possibilities that I can perform on the metal. It’s limitless. This intriguing raw material gives me the motivation to move forward and provides me ideas.
What are your plans after graduation—both realistically and ideally?Currently, I’m working with David Cole, a Professor from CCA. Eventually, I would like to keep learning about jewelry art, producing my jewelry pieces, searching different inspirations and ideas to better understand myself, and explore what triggers me the most. Ideally, I would love to set up my own studio space to produce more quality artworks.
Are there any metal artists whose work inspires you—what it is about their work that is inspiring?
I don’t have a specific artist or work that I am particularly interested in now. I’ve got most of my ideas from the CCA Jewelry and Metal Arts faculties. Their works gave me motivations and they constantly pushed me to be a better artist. When I feel burned out, I’ll look at art jewelry collections books, and seek inspirations from my surroundings, such as details of architectures, trees, people or just daily interactions.
If you were given the time and means to create your ultimate work, what would it be?I will keep producing handmade jewelry works and build my own brand to show the public the value of arts and crafts. And bring the knowledge and crafts across the globe, back to Taiwan.
What are you currently working on? Any upcoming shows or events to plug?
I’m currently developing my next series of work and collecting more ideas and information for it.
Any words of wisdom you would offer prospective metal arts students?
Enjoy the moment when you’re fabricating. Each small detail will make a huge difference. When the work is done, go back and take a look at how much you’ve learned during the process. Not only the practical skill sets or physical pieces but also understand how your work reflects your own self.
Do you have any art-related resources (websites, vendors, etc) that you would like to share with guild members?
www.artjewelryforum.org
www.klimt02.net
www.snagmetalsmith.org
www.pinterest.com