Esther Park

I initiated my work by scrutinizing a materialistic society that predominantly acknowledges items crafted from luxury materials such as diamonds and gold. This prompted me to question the criteria for deeming things expensive, who assigns their value, and how such standards are defined. My methodology revolves around transforming materials that have lost their function and value into novel forms of jewellery. The initial material employed was plastic forks. Hailing from a culture that traditionally employs chopsticks and spoons, I was astonished by the widespread use of plastic forks in American school cafeterias. The fork, while being an unfamiliar tool, was easy to use, making it even more intriguing. The four-pronged shape and the flexibility of plastic offered an enjoyable medium for creative exploration. I also delved into analysing the behaviours of various people using forks to gain a deeper understanding. After their one-time use, cheap plastic forks were promptly discarded into trash cans without a second thought. I collected and transformed them into beautiful accessories. The second material utilized is aluminium cans. Given the United States' high global ranking in carbonated beverage consumption, aluminium cans are easily accessible in streets and trash bins. I incorporated the functionality of jewellery using these cans. In conclusion, I aimed to manipulate these materials from their original shapes into new life forms using my creative language. Through this process, I believe that the time and effort invested by the creator, coupled with the creation of novel forms, transcends mere materialistic value.

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I was born in South Korea and graduated as the top student from Dankook University with a major in Metal and Fiber Craft. Continuing my journey in jewellery, I enrolled in the Tyler School of Art and Architecture for the Jewellery 3D CAD/CAM graduate program. From my undergraduate years to the present, I have participated in a total of seven exhibitions. Most recently, I showcased two pieces at the Marzee Graduate Show in the Netherlands, a platform highlighting contemporary jewellery by innovative graduates. This event not only acknowledged the marketability and design of my work but also provided fulfilment as a jewellery artist, thanks to sales opportunities. During my university years, while taking a Jewellery CAD design class, I became fascinated by the ease with which I could create using mouse control, avoiding the hazards associated with soldering or sewing. Beyond that, I developed the belief that jewellery should be integrated with the industry in the evolving landscape where various technologies and equipment manifest new possibilities. At Tyler, I am learning and advancing in the field of jewellery with a fresh perspective. I am actively engaged in learning the utilization of 3D programs such as Rhino and ZBrush, creating models and experiencing the entire process of producing jewellery through 3D printing. This hands-on-approach has provided me with valuable experience in the production aspect of the jewellery industry. I am not confined to traditional materials like metals; instead, I explore and advance through various attempts, incorporating new materials like resin. Without being bound by materials, I continuously strive for development and progress in the field of jewellery.



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