By: Elena Mart
Luyao Chen, a distinguished jewelry artisan, is set to unveil her captivating “Super Glue” collection at the esteemed NYC X DESIGN Festival’s RE-CRAF exhibition, taking place at New York City’s illustrious Javits Center this month. Each piece showcased embodies an exquisite fusion of everyday materials with artistic ingenuity, transforming ordinary objects into extraordinary works of wearable art. In an interview, Luyao Chen shares her creative journey into making her latest creations.
Influenced by her familial heritage, Luyao Chen honed her craft in traditional jewelry design and craftsmanship amidst the renowned art haven of Florence, Italy, before embarking on her artistic odyssey in the United States. With a vibrant presence in prestigious art jewelry showcases across Italy and the United States.
Luyao Chen’s acclaim soared further when she was welcomed as a distinguished member of the Gems and Jewelry Trade Association of China in 2023. This esteemed association, synonymous with excellence in the Chinese jewelry industry, boasts publications such as CHINA Gems and BAZAAR Jewelry. By day, Luyao Chen crafts bespoke high-end jewelry pieces, meticulously working with precious metals and gemstones. Yet, by night, she transforms into an intrepid artist, exploring the artistic potential of everyday super glue within the confines of her studio, culminating in the stunning debut of her super glue accessories at the NYC X DESIGN Festival.
Q: You were born in China, and then you studied and worked in Italy and the United States. What made you decide to become a jewelry designer?
A: My mother, a passionate jeweler with a deep love for art, heavily influenced my journey. From a tender age, I was immersed in the world of jewelry and nurtured my artistic skills through painting. In Italy, I acquired a robust understanding of jewelry design and traditional crafting techniques, laying a strong foundation for my career. Upon moving to the United States, I was captivated by the community’s open embrace of art jewelry, prompting me to delve into material exploration. For me, becoming a jewelry designer feels like a natural calling, a destiny intertwined with my upbringing and lifelong passion for artistic expression.
Q: What attracts you most about the jewelry industry?
A: The most rewarding aspect for me is the profound emotional connection that jewelry fosters. Witnessing the sheer delight, excitement, and sometimes even tears of joy on the faces of those who receive my creations fills me with immense satisfaction. There’s a unique joy in knowing that something I’ve crafted has the power to evoke such heartfelt reactions and create lasting memories for others.
Q: What do you think of your two identities as a senior jewelry custom designer and an art jewelry artist?
A: I don’t perceive these two identities as conflicting; rather, they complement each other. Both roles embody the magic of transforming “materials” into “beauty.”
Q: Are all the works brought this time made of super glue? Is there no other material involved?
A: With the exception of essential elements like pin backs and earring posts, each piece is exclusively crafted from super glue. Without prior knowledge of the artwork’s composition, I believe it would be challenging for anyone to discern its true nature. I’m eagerly anticipating the audience’s reactions when they encounter these pieces for the first time.
Q: The materials used in your works as a jewelry artist are all daily necessities unrelated to jewelry. How did you accumulate inspiration and determine the materials used in each series of works? Why did you choose the “Super Glue” series to participate in the NYC X DESIGN Festival?
A: In Italy, I delved into traditional jewelry design, and now in the United States, I craft bespoke pieces with precious metals and stones. As my skills grew, I sought deeper connections in my work, drawing inspiration from everyday objects like water and mirrors. Among these, “Super Glue” intrigued me profoundly, given its historic use in saving lives during the Vietnam War. Inspired by Richard Serra’s approach to materials, I explored the surprising properties of super glue, discovering a hidden beauty that defied expectations.
I’m immensely grateful to the NYC X DESIGN Festival and the Beijing Contemporary Art Foundation for providing the platform to showcase my work alongside over 20 other artists. It’s an opportunity to challenge perceptions and spark conversations about the intrinsic beauty of ordinary materials. Through this showcase, I aim to bridge the gap between art and daily life, inviting viewers to see the extraordinary potential within the seemingly mundane.
Published By: Aize Perez
