About the artist
ARTIST STATEMENT
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“A small celebration of life.”
My work is an exploration of the life force of nature—its quiet resilience, continuous transformation, and extraordinary ability to grow and thrive.
I am drawn to the intricate structures of seeds, fruits, seedpods, and other organic forms. These seemingly ordinary elements hold a remarkable sense of vitality, revealing the delicate balance between fragility and strength. Through my work, I seek to capture the moments when life emerges, unfolds, and transforms, celebrating the beauty found in nature's imperfections and unexpected forms.
Working primarily with precious metals, gemstones, and mixed media, I translate these inspirations into intimate, wearable sculptures. I combine delicate organic forms with contrasting textures, colors, and materials, allowing each piece to develop its own character. Oxidized surfaces, subtle accents of gold, and carefully selected gemstones create a dialogue between softness and structure, refinement and rawness.
My artistic journey began with a fascination for the resilience of nature within the constructed world, a theme I explored during my MFA studies at Rochester Institute of Technology. Over the years, this curiosity has evolved into an ongoing exploration of the visible and invisible forces that shape living things.
Rather than simply recreating nature, I seek to express its energy, mystery, and quiet beauty. Each piece becomes a small celebration of life—a wearable reminder of the extraordinary world that surrounds us.
++Education & Course Completion
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2008 Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
Master of Fine Arts, Metalcrafts & Jewelry, School for American Crafts
2005 Hong-Ik University, Seoul, South Korea
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Metal art & Design
2003 Gemological Institute of America
G.G (Graduate Gemologist) - Diamond, Colored stones
++Work History
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2011- Present Jewelry Artist , freelance designer
Lily Kim studio
2009- 2010 Jeweler
Jewelry artist studio assistant, NJ
2009-2010 Jewelry Designer
Costume Jewelry Company, NJ
2008 Jeweler
Richard & West Manufacturing Co. Rochester, NY
2007 - 2008 Instructor
Rochester Institute of Technology, Metal elective class, Rochester, NY
2006 - 2008 Studio Assistant
Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
Responsible for safety, maintenance, and shop supervision