10 Questions with Qian Sun

Qian Sun pursued her BA degree in Fashion Design and MFA degree in Fine Arts in China before embarking on her artistic journey that traversed through the realms of fashion, art, and jewelry craftsmanship. In 2022, she furthered her studies at Sheffield Hallam University, where she pursued her second MFA degree in Jewelry and Metalwork. Her academic journey culminated in her graduation in 2024, where she achieved an excellent distinction in her final project, earning her the prestigious Sheffield Assay Office Silver Scholarship and Assay Master's Recognition Award.

Beyond her academic pursuits, Qian Sun actively delved into psychology and art therapy, acquiring certifications in various fields and integrating this diverse knowledge into her design practice. Her interdisciplinary background provided her with a unique perspective and a rich source of inspiration for her creative endeavors.

Through continuous exploration and application of materials, techniques, and forms, Qian Sun demonstrated a revolutionary understanding of traditional jewelry and a profound insight into material manipulation. She constantly challenged conventions, creating unique and forward-thinking works of art. Her creations not only subverted tradition but also served as interpretations of beauty and expressions of her love for life.

www.qiansunms.com | @qiansunms

ARTIST STATEMENT

Qian Sun specializes in researching various materials suitable for art therapy, with her proudest design achievement being the incorporation of pet dog hair into jewelry accessories. By dyeing the hair and combining it with silk and metal materials, she creates pieces that resonate with emotional depth and personal significance.

Pets play an integral role in human lives, providing companionship and cherished memories that transcend time. Their relatively short lifespans make their presence even more precious, imbued with the bittersweetness of farewells and nostalgic reminiscences of shared moments. Qian Sun views wearing jewelry accessories as a means of interacting with memories, transcending temporal and spatial boundaries to facilitate a deeper emotional connection.

Driven by this emotional impetus, the artist collects pet hair and employs material processing techniques to craft enduring jewelry pieces. These creations embody rich personalities and emotional ties, serving as tangible touchstones for wearers to reconnect with cherished memories of the past. They underscore the importance of art in conveying emotions and commemorative values, while also expressing the artist's profound appreciation for the mutually beneficial relationship between humans and pets.

In commemorating our animal companions in this manner, we coexist with them in spirit. This artwork perpetuates the emotional bond between humans and animals, showcasing the interplay between the beauty of nature and the support of emotions.

A Feast of Flowers, dog hair, silk, copper wire, silver, 25x19x4 cm, 2024 © Qian Sun

INTERVIEW

First of all, introduce yourself to our public. Who are you, and what inspired you to pursue an art career?

My name is Qian Sun, and I am a jewelry designer with a passion for psychology. Growing up in an artistic environment surrounded by filmmakers and various other artists, including my father, who is a director, I was immersed in the world of art from a young age. This upbringing exposed me to painting, piano, and dance, which became integral parts of my life as I matured. With seven years of experience in fashion design, I honed my skills and gained valuable insights into the industry. Additionally, my studies in psychology have provided me with a deeper understanding of human behavior and emotions. It is this blend of experiences and interests that has led me down the path of artistry, ultimately inspiring me to pursue a career as a jewelry designer.

Please tell us more about your academic background and how your studies have influenced your artistic journey.

My experiences in both China and the United Kingdom have shaped my diverse design thinking. I spent seven years studying fashion design in China, earning both my bachelor's and master's degrees in the field. This experience provided me with a keen understanding of fashion trends, aesthetics, and cultural history.
Upon completing my studies in China, I ventured to the United Kingdom to pursue a two-year master's program in jewelry design. This experience allowed me to further expand my skills and perspective. I benefited from the different teaching philosophies between China and the UK, which enabled me to explore new materials and design concepts. It was during this time that I found my niche and refined my artistic identity.

Moonlight Waltz, dog hair, silk, copper wire, silver, 15x8.5 cm, 2024 © Qian Sun

Beyond your academic pursuits, you have actively delved into psychology and art therapy. How do you integrate this diverse knowledge into your design practice, and how does it impact your creative process?

In my view, art serves as a tool for expression, while knowledge acts as a scientific aid. Through my exploration of psychology and art therapy, I've gained a scientific understanding of human subconscious behavior and emotions. For instance, I may draw inspiration from psychological theories or concepts to infuse my designs with methods that evoke specific emotions.
Moreover, my understanding of art therapy enables me to recognize the therapeutic potential of jewelry as a form of self-expression and personal empowerment. I strive to design pieces that not only adorn the body but also serve as tools for self-discovery, therapy, and self-expression.

Your work focuses on researching various materials suitable for art therapy. Your proudest design achievement is the incorporation of pet dog hair into jewelry accessories. Can you share more about the inspiration behind this unique concept and the emotional significance it holds for you?

Incorporating pet dog fur into jewelry accessories stems from my personal experience with my own furry companion. Dogs, with their relatively short lifespans compared to humans, offer unconditional love, companionship, and comfort. In 2023, I nearly lost my beloved dog due to an accident, prompting me to seek a way to preserve our memories and the tactile sensations and scents associated with our bond.
This form of commemoration preserves intangible aspects of our relationship, which would cease to exist if they were lost along with our pets. By transforming such intimate elements as pet fur into wearable art pieces, my aim is to create tangible mementos symbolizing love, loyalty, and cherished memories.
Each piece of jewelry infused with pet dog fur holds profound personal significance for the wearer, evoking emotions of warmth, nostalgia, and connection. As a designer, being able to create pieces imbued with such emotional meaning is immensely fulfilling and serves as a wellspring of creative inspiration.

How do you approach combining pet dog hair with silk and metal materials to create your art pieces? Could you describe your creative process from conceptualization to completion?

I begin by collecting the pet dog fur and then proceed to wash and weave it. Each dog's fur has its own unique characteristics, with some being coarser than others and requiring special treatment. During this process, I also gather stories about the pet and its owner, along with their photos and personality traits, which help me envision the direction of my creation.
Next, I initiate the preliminary creative process, blending the personality and features of the pet dog with the information I've gathered to determine how to represent them in the artwork. I consider color, form, and technique and may dye the dog fur as needed to complement the silk and other materials.
Once the creative concept is solidified, I commence the integration of the pet dog fur with the silk and other materials. This may involve intricate handiwork to ensure the seamless fusion of fur and materials and achieve the desired effect.
Finally, I assemble and adjust the artwork, ensuring its dimensions and proportions correspond to the actual neck size of the dog.

As you mention in your statement, pets play an integral role in human lives, providing companionship and cherished memories. How do you believe wearing jewelry accessories can facilitate a deeper emotional connection with these memories?

I believe that wearing jewelry accessories can serve as a powerful emotional bond, further deepening the connection with cherished memories. Firstly, jewelry accessories can embody tangible forms of memory, transforming our emotional connection with pets into physical objects. Each piece of jewelry encapsulates the time and emotions we shared with our pets, serving as an eternal commemoration. Wearing jewelry accessories can continuously remind us of the special relationship we have with our pets in our daily lives, providing solace and support.
Secondly, jewelry accessories are often stored away when not worn, yet even a glance at them can evoke deeply buried emotions and stir up fond memories of our pets. This enduring presence acts as a constant companion, bringing comfort and warmth.
In conclusion, these accessories are not only beautiful adornments but also serve as reminders of our precious memories, embodying our connection with our pets. They provide enduring companionship, keeping the presence of our beloved pets close to us.

Wishes, dog hair, silk, copper wire, silver, 30x17 cm, 2024 © Qian Sun

What challenges have you faced in your artistic journey, particularly in researching and creating your designs and jewelry pieces, and how have you navigated or overcome them?

Throughout my journey in the realm of art, particularly in researching and creating designs and jewelry pieces, I've encountered various challenges. One of the greatest challenges has been exploring materials. I've delved into unconventional materials like sugar, integrating them with traditional jewelry materials. I'm drawn to materials that often go unnoticed, even though they may be unstable and susceptible to changes in temperature and time. Yet, I find the intrigue lies precisely in their unpredictability.
In the initial stages of researching dog fur, I faced numerous setbacks. Many experiments ended in failure after a full day's work. However, I continually told myself to try once more. I've come to realize that there's a difference between feeling good about an effort and ensuring its effectiveness. Therefore, in subsequent experiments, I adjusted my approach to ensure authenticity and efficacy.
Overall, I overcome challenges through persistence, embracing trial and error, and constantly refining my methods. I believe that each failure brings me one step closer to success. With a positive mindset and creative thinking, I'm confident I can overcome any obstacle.

What future projects or directions are you excited to explore in your artistry?

In the realm of artistic exploration, there are several projects and directions I find worthy of further investigation. Firstly, I am continuing to ponder new jewelry materials that could be utilized for healing purposes. Additionally, I am keen on delving into the study of both the Chinese I Ching and Western Tarot, alongside deepening my knowledge in professional psychology.
My aim is to use my expertise to create projects and artworks that can genuinely aid others rather than solely focusing on crafting aesthetically pleasing accessories or garments. I believe that the success of artwork is not determined by its price but by its visibility, recognition, and widespread impact. In today's age of technology, having a substantial reservoir of knowledge is crucial to avoid being replaced by AI. Embracing the emotional aspects of art is key.
Everyone desires to be seen, respected, and understood. Art, as a form of expression visible to all, has the potential to deeply resonate with individuals. I believe that evoking emotional responses in people is the most significant aspect of art. Therefore, I strive to create artworks that touch people's hearts and leave a lasting impact.

Stars and Flowers, dog hair, silk, copper wire, silver, 10x9 cm, 2024 © Qian Sun

Summer night dream, dog hair, silk, copper wire, silver, 7.5x6.5 cm, 2024 © Qian Sun

Are there any new series or projects you want to share with our readers?

Certainly! In July, I will be launching a new series centered around the dog fur project. I've made adjustments to the metal components, making it the most comprehensive and satisfying of all my dog fur works. This project has been ongoing for over a year, starting from a point of complete unfamiliarity with the material to now possessing proficient techniques. In this new series, I've achieved perfection in every aspect.
My projects serve as reflections and commemorations of my personal journey. Life is unpredictable, and you never know where you'll end up or what you'll be doing. My artistic endeavors are also a means of self-exploration.
The name of this project is "Self-Redemption," symbolizing my repeated efforts to rescue myself from adversity. Through this series, I aim to showcase the evidence of my self-redemption and the memories I've accumulated during this time. I hope to empower others not to give up on themselves. Life is full of overlooked beauty; it's important to recognize it in oneself and others, to forgive oneself, and to express gratitude to those who have helped along the way, be they human or animal.

Lastly, what is one piece of advice you would give to an emerging artist or designer?

Finally, I would advise new emerging artists or designers to step out of their comfort zones, embrace challenges, and seek new experiences. Your work stems from your inner self, and only by gaining more experiences and enriching your feelings can you create better pieces. Never fear failure; what you perceive as failure is merely your journey towards finding better solutions. Be confident. I approach art with the mindset of a researcher. In research, each failure is a preparation for that eventual success. However, I admit to an immature personal preference: I also enjoy staying within my comfort zone. But my comfort zone isn't about being content with current techniques, materials, or thinking – that's laziness. Instead, I explore anything that brings me joy, whether it's materials or techniques. For example, I believe that finding joy in the research process ensures longevity and success in the field. I primarily use silver as my base material because of its exceptional malleability and texture. Every artist has their own areas of expertise. I don't aim to be a jack-of-all-trades; instead, I strive to excel in my chosen field.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.

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