Sophia Hu
1St Place – “ Kaleidoscope”
Sophia Hu has won four consecutive Saul Bell Design Awards. Her creations not only reflect her academic and professional career as an architect, they are constructed with care, precision, and great craftsmanship. “Kaleidoscope” is a small, wearable piece of sculpture that captures Sophia’s ever-growing skills, knowledge and artistic sense in one piece.
Artist Interview:
Q. How did you come up with the title?
The title is from the child’s toy. Most of us would remember the “wow” experience when we first looked through a kaleidoscope when we were little. We wanted to know what was happening inside the kaleidoscope. These kinds of desires kept us learning throughout our childhood. But as we were growing up our desires to learn and discover slowed down. Yet the world we’re living in is constantly changing at an increasing speed more than ever with the help of modern technology like the internet. I hope my kaleidoscope design reflects the ever-changing world in some ways, to encourage people to discover more new interesting things and try to see and interpret them from different angles.
Q. How long did it take to make the piece?
It took me four months. It is a very complicated design that involved almost 200 silver/gold wires and more than 10 gemstones. I had to figure out each component carefully. At the very beginning I tried different methods to make small components, and to find the best ways to connect the wires and make them cross. I made over 20 small sculptures. In the process I borrowed some techniques from basket weaving and Japanese origami. The next big challenge was how to put all these components together. One can easily picture that it will be a mess if these hundreds of wires are put together the wrong way. I have to admit that my first kaleidoscope design was a disaster. Thanks to my architectural background I found a way to get out of the maze of wires on my second try.
Q. What do you plan to do with the piece, and will this piece inspire other work?
I think this will be the first and center statement piece in my new body of work—Kaleidoscope collection. Just like the name, Kaleidoscope, this design concept has limitless possibilities and great potential to grow into a logical body of work. I already started working on some small earrings that were generated from the same concept. Especially after this design won Saul Bell Design award this year, it got me more excited to further develop into this idea.
Saul Bell Design Award
Q. What did you feel when you learned you’d won?
This was my fourth time in a row to win SBDA and I couldn’t believe that I won again! It’s just beyond excitement. From my winning designs in these four years you can see my growth and the development of my skills as a metalsmith. It is the growth path of my jewelry design and also a journal of my creative life.
Q. Whom did you tell first about winning?
My husband, Bin. He’s the one always on my side; he sees and understands every step I’ve been through.
Educational and Professional Background
Q. Of all the arts and crafts, why did you choose jewelry?
I truly feel jewelry is a good extension of my creative life from an architect to a jewelry designer with more freedom and self-control. Each artist has their own journey. I have been practicing architecture and interior design for over 20 years so I have already gone through the process from being new to gradually growing into a good designer. I understand what is involved. This gave me good preparation when starting my jewelry career. It takes time and patience to give your best.
Q. What was the first piece of jewelry you ever made?
I made a tiny set of jewelry for my doll and dressed it up as I dreamed to dress up myself.
Q. What was your training/academic background in jewelry-making?
I have no formal jewelry education. I did my undergraduate work at Beijing Jiaotong University. I have a master's degree in architecture from Texas Tech University.
Q. What was the biggest challenge you have faced in your business?
I think the biggest challenge is the balance between creating and running my business. It is very hard to achieve. Sometimes I just concentrate on the creative part and not the business. I am still learning how to find the sweet point to keep creativity in designs and prosperity in business simultaneously, at a comfortable pace that I enjoy.
Q. What is the best advice you received?
You should ask everyone you know for their advice and listen to it, decide if it would work for you, and decide what doesn’t work so well. Find your own path, especially for artists since we all have our unique stories.
Q. What other awards, honors have you received in your career?
2019 Saul Bell Design Award, 1st place in the Jewelry Collection Couture Category
2018 Saul Bell Design Award, Best of Show winner
2017 Saul Bell Design Award, Second Place in Alternative Material category
2017 Saul Bell Design Award, Silver category finalist
Q. What is your definition of “success”?
I think success is not a trophy only but finding a lifestyle that I enjoy the most.
Creative Influences and Environment
Q. What or who do you think has been the strongest influence or inspiration on your work?
My husband, Bin. He is an architect as well. Although he is not directly involved in my work, he is the only person who gives me very honest opinions. He really cares about me enough to tell me the truth about my designs. Sometimes his comments on my work drive me crazy as you could imagine.
Q. What artist, dead or alive, do you most admire? Why?
Alexander McQueen, a British designer known for his groundbreaking clothes, shocking catwalk shows, and precise tailoring. I was born the same year as he was so I feel a closeness to him. He died early at the age of 40. I have a few pieces of his brand which I love.
Q. Do you follow long-term trends? If so, why or why not?
No. But I follow the fashion trends in magazines. This is where I started because it was always a part of my art education. I feel the fashion industry brings art to the “real” people. Jewelry is an intimate art form as well.
Q. Is the product or the process more important to you? Why?
The product and process are like a cycle to me. The whole process is to create a product. And if the product is not good enough I look at the process again.
Q. What is your favorite tool?
It is the laser machine I purchased last year. I can achieve wonderful things I could not achieve with my regular tools. Is a 3-D printer next? Yeah, maybe.
Q. Describe your studio.
It’s a private space in my home in Las Vegas, Nevada, which I think of as my secret garden in a desert.
Interview by Marlene Richey