Wednesday, August 18, 2010

BE-dazzled by Liaung Chung Yen's Artful Jewelry

Rubilite Garnet Cabachon Ring by Liaung Chung Yen, 12 diamonds,18k yellow gold, $2680
Jewelry is my weakness, of this I am sure.  Paintings are a close second. 
My passion for both is indulged through my role at shopSCAD.  I am in constant pursuit of the new, unusual, beautiful and creative expression of SCAD artists. Ooohs and aaaahs abounded the day I discovered Liaung Chung Yen's dazzling jewelry. 

The ring pictured above is a favorite of mine. The sheer weight of it in my hand delights me. It feels rich, substantial and majestic--fit for a queen or king.  Yen's work exudes this cool modernity that is edgy but also timeless.  I could definitely see passing these beauties down generation to generation.  His use of fine gold and precious gem stones make any of his pieces a considerable investment.  Just think of it is as art you can wear out with you rather than something left hanging on a wall in your home. 

Starburst Earrings by Liaung Chung Yen,18 diamonds,18k yellow gold, $1950
Peppercorn Earrings by Liaung Chung Yen, 18k yellow gold, diamonds, $680
Pearl Starburst Earrings by Liaung Chung Yen, 18k yellow gold, pearls, diamonds, $1780
Pink Sapphire Marquis Studs by Liaung Chung Yen, 18 yellow gold, $1450
I love his artist statement, so soulful and vivid- totally worth your time to read.  I find that as I begin to know the artist and not just their work that I am in awe all the more.

Liaung Chung Yen: Artist Statement  

I am always interested in reading comic books and watching movies. The similarity of them is that they both consist of frames. Each frame can be seen as a fragment of the movie. By connecting all the fragments together, the story has unfolded. I always have a picture in my mind after seeing a movie. I remember the silhouettes of children riding bicycles across the sky with E.T. in the basket. I also remember “Don” Vito Corleone sitting in a chair with a cat in his hand and listening to people’s requests in Godfather. These pictures in my mind provide me memories of the stories and the movie going experiences.

Beryl Cabachon Ring by Liaung Chung Yen, 12 diamonds, 18k yellow gold, $2100
I am also drawn to the daily objects that have been used by people. Usage presents the history of the object as well as the trademark of the people who used it. I have always liked a teapot that belongs to my father. It has a lotus root shape body with a vine like handle and pourer. There are a couple of lotus seeds on the lid that make jingling sounds while pouring the tea. Every time I see this teapot it reminds me of the lifestyle and culture I am living in. With this teapot also come memories of teatime with my family. By connecting all the experiences, I have my own story with the teapot.

Diamond Eternity Band by Liaung Chung Yen, 12 diamonds, 18k yellow gold, $950
I think of my jewelry as fragments, carrying stories by using metaphor in my design, expressing the desire, wit or sensuality. I also see it as small sculptures, documenting the time and the emotion in which I live. Each piece, in a technical way, is an exploration of line and pattern; creating structure, form and motion. It also presents the imagination of the mind as well as the story and history of the making process. The work is not meant to isolate specific meanings, rather suggest a moment of thought where stillness, beauty and illumination can peacefully coexist. I believe that, while Art allows artists to understand themselves better, it also improves communication between human beings and can express a love and concern for society.

Liaung Chung Yen in his studio
For more information on SCAD's Jewelry and Metals program click here or read below.


Did you know that SCAD has the largest metals and jewelry department of any college or university in the United States?  

SCAD Metals and Jewelry
Metals and jewelry professionals create body ornaments, small scale sculptures and metal home goods in a historical context applied in contemporary art and design. They focus on functional and nonfunctional objects, emphasizing conceptual thinking, innovation in design and production skills.


Cultivating creative and independent-minded individuals, the metals and jewelry department at SCAD emphasizes career preparation through competitions, collaborative projects and exhibition opportunities.

Building their portfolios throughout their course of study, students learn contemporary issues in the field. A rigorous curriculum and diverse faculty encourage critical thinking, innovative design and the production of distinctive work. Dedicated studio space allows graduate students to focus on studio practices and experiment with alternative materials and processes.


Students explore a wide range of technology in facilities for precision casting, laser welding, finishing, enameling, lapidary, anodizing, CAD/CAM, forming and stone setting processes.


3-D computer modeling and computer-numerically controlled programming and milling skills are emphasized. Resources include a laser welder and microscope system, a Dimension prototype printer for ABS plastic, two Solidscape T-66 prototypers specifically designed for jewelry printing, and two Roland JWX10 CNC milling machines. Advanced modeling tools include SensAble pens with Claytools software.


Students partner with and participate in prestigious design competitions and top industry-sponsored projects, such as the Inc. magazine Bernard Goldhirsch Entrepreneur of the Year trophy design competition, the Swarovski student design competition, the McGee Group eyewear competition, the Baccarat Blue Sky design competition and the Rado Women and Design competition.


Seminars, lectures and studio critiques with renowned jewelry designers and professionals have included Anthony Camargo and Nak Armstrong of Anthony Nak jewelry; Robert Lee Morris; Chi Galatea Huynh, designer and founder of Galatea Jewelry; jewelry designer Barbara Heinrich; studio production artist Donald Friedlich; independent curator Gail Browne; gallery owner/critic Charon Kranson; Gijs Bakker, co-founder of Droog Design; jewelry artist Kathleen Brown; Robert Ebendorf; Phil Renato;  and others. Technical workshops have been conducted by silversmith and sculptor Leonard Urso, granulation specialist Douglas Harling, and Komelia Okim, pioneer of the Kum-Boo Technique, among others.

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