Han Gao
BFA 2020
Artist Statement
My jewelry is a kind of miniature toy. When I create a piece of jewelry, I’m not only a creator of wearable art, but also a narrator of movements, which include opening, rotating, and folding. The common theme in my body of work is the interaction between the wearer and the piece. My work is best when it accompanies the human body since it invites the wearer to approach it like a child and ultimately, to play.
I can tell a lot about an individual by looking at their collection of toys. Here is the secret, a well-loved toy is like a statement about who the person is, and what they value in their life. Compared to other objects that one can own, toys tend to carry greater personal and emotional value. Each of my jewelry pieces carry little bits and pieces of my own memories.
Classic toys are the source of my inspiration. My goal is to trigger childhood memories, enthusiasm and sentiments. I dissect my toys with simple lines and geometric forms and patterns while keeping original elements, some highly recognizable and others etched in my memory. I also use sterling silver to create my wearable toys. My use of the precious triggers a re-examination of the values it represents; the object itself, the memories it may hold, and ultimately, the childlike mind.
Bio
Han Gao is a jeweler and illustrator based in China. The experience of working in two dimensional and three-dimensional realms informs her high- quality hand sketches and perspective of forms. Han’s Toy Jewelry is based on her skillful spatial understanding and she makes jewelry into interactive, miniature, wearable performances. "Play" has always been the subject of her research. She turns "play" into the value of jewelry itself by emphasizing the interaction between people and her jewelry. Han received dual BFA degrees in Jewelry & Metalsmithing and Illustration from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston, MA in 2020.
Instagram: @tricks.gh