if Marinetti were reincarnated in the form of a piece of jewellery, he would probably look something like this.
Architecturally sleek and mind-bendingly 3-dimensional, Fairina Cheng’s jewellery is totally timeless. Based in Sydney, Fairina’s creative practice varies from the meticulously planned to the organically surprising. Experimenting with the likes of steel mesh, brass, acrylic, thread and semi-precious stones, Fairina certainly deserves to wear the Crafty Crown. Such talent!
Want to grab yourself some Fairina Cheng jewellery? Get a 10% discount on Etsy by entering “SNEAKY” as a coupon code. Valid until 31 August 2012.
{ What inspired you to start making jewellery? }
My journey into jewellery design started unexpectedly. I was working long hours at a full-time office job and decided that I needed a reason to leave on time at least one day a week. At the time, I felt that a clothes-making course might have been the more practical option, but I was just too curious to pass up learning how jewellery was made!
I picked up my first jeweller’s saw at the local arts centre and fell absolutely in love with the process of manipulating metal. It was one of those stereotypical moments of realisation. Soon after, I was applying for a two-year course in Jewellery and Object Design.
{ What is Negative/Positive about? }
Negative/Positive is my first ever collection, and is constantly being added to. It consists of a signature ring and pendant, as well as a range of more understated, everyday jewellery such as rings and stud earrings.
Each design is created on the computer using a 3D modeling program. From the finished file, the design is printed layer by layer in wax on a 3D printer, cast in molten silver and meticulously hand finished.
My favourite part about this collection is that it appears structured and precise, but each design is the haphazard result of experimentation, guesswork and a sprinkling of luck. I have always felt a certain affinity to things that appear one way but are actually another. It appeals to the part of me that secretly (or not so secretly!) enjoys challenging assumptions.
{ How would you describe your aesthetic? }
My work so far has encompassed a diverse range of styles and approaches, from clean lines and planned methodologies to organic forms and experimental processes. However a common thread through all my work has been the creation of visually distinctive outlines, shapes and textures.
I marvel at the natural imperfections in stone, the hidden contours of wood and the beautiful textural qualities of materials like stainless steel mesh. They have a rich range of sensory and visual textures that I find absolutely amazing.
{ What kind of materials do you work with? Is it difficult to manipulate them into your designs? }
I work with a range of materials, both traditional (such as precious metals and gemstones), and less traditional (such as stainless steel mesh and acrylic). Each design requires an element of problem solving and there’s always a bit of a learning process. That’s all part of the journey. There is just so much knowledge out there that I don’t think I’ll ever stop learning.
{ The most important piece of jewellery for any girl to own is… }
Whatever makes her feel her best! I don’t believe that anyone can answer this question for anyone but themselves. Jewellery is so personal that each piece, whether it’s a diamond ring or a found object on a string, can hold different (and just as significant) messages to different people. That’s what makes jewellery so special!
{ What are you working on at the moment? }
I was lucky enough to be selected for the graduate residency program at SquarePeg Studios, a fantastic contemporary jewellery workshop in Newtown, Sydney. I’m using this time to create a new collection that explores the gorgeous range of colours and the beautiful iridescent textures you can create with fine stainless steel mesh.
Follow Fairina Cheng’s Facebook page and sneakypeek her contemporary jewellery for yourself!