Inspired by Italo Calvino's Invisible Cities, my work is a reflection on the urban environment,its geometries and unique stories. The series My Seoul is influenced by the contrasting architecture of South Korea and reflects my personal experience of its cities.
The choice and juxtaposition of materials, shapes and colours echoes its landscape: sombre modern buildings intertwined with colourful and ancient wooden temples and palaces. Like those buildings, my pieces show the vulnerability of wood and metal when exposed to time and elements; the layers and colours that slowly transform with the passing of years. Simple in form, but rich in stories and complexities.
I approach the creation of my jewellery in the same way I would compose a story. While designing my pieces, I seek to engage the audience in the storytelling process and stimulate their personal narrative, allowing the jewellery to become the instrument through which they can explore their own feelings and memories.
Biography
Following a career in corporate communication, Italian born artist Cristina Zani completed an MFA in Jewellery at Edinburgh College of Art in June 2012. After living and working in several countries, Cristina established her workshop in the Lake District where she is currently based.
In 2011 she was awarded a bursary that enabled her to study jewellery in Seoul for four months. Her present work is influenced by the Korean urban landscape and explores the contrast between modern buildings and ancient temples and palaces of South Korea. She combines natural and painted wood with precious and non-precious metals.
Awards
2013
Hothouse 4, Craft Council
2012
Andrew Grant Bequest, Edinburgh College of Art
Precious Metal Bursary, The Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh
Honourable Mention, Studio William's 2011 Cutlery Design Competition
2011
International Student Bursary, Kookmin University, Seoul
Professional Development Award, The Association for Contemporary Jewellery
ECA 2011 Award, The Incorporation of Hammermen of Edinburgh
Exhibitions
2014
Rising Stars 2014, New Ashgate Gallery, Farnham, UK
Empreintes, ALLIAGE, Lille, France
2013
Winter Show, Au Boutique & Studios, Glasgow, UK
Contemporary Craft Open Unit Twelve Gallery, Tixall, Stafford, UK
Connect, Edinburgh College of Art, Edinburgh, UK
Dazzle London, Riverside Gallery, OXO Tower, London, UK
Dazzle Manchester, Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester, UK
Cabinet Winter Show, Edinburgh Contemporary Crafts, Edinburgh, UK
SOFA Connect, Chicago, USA
New Talents 2013, Lesley Craze Gallery, London, UK
Bring Back the Dead, Whitespace, Edinburgh, UK
Guest of the Danes at Collect in the Country 2013, The Barn Galleries, Henley on-Thames, UK
Recent Graduates, Dorothy Wightman Gallery, Kirkby Lonsdale, UK
Dazzle Edinburgh 2013, Dovecot Gallery, Edinburgh, UK
New Designers One Year On, Business Design Centre, London, UK
Multiples, Arteria Gallery 23, Lancaster, UK
Earrings Galore 2013, Heidi Lowe Gallery, Rehoboth Beach, USA
Kindred Spirits, Studio Fusion Gallery, London, UK,
Jacqueline's Choice 2013, private event by invitation only, London, UK
Just Rings, Studio Fusion Gallery, London, UK
The Graduate Show 2013, Bevere Gallery, Worcester, UK
2012
Multiples, Heidi Lowe Gallery, Rehoboth Beach, USA
Made 2012, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield, UK5
Out the Blue, Kath Libbert Jewellery Gallery, Salts Mill, Saltaire, UK
Ice Candy, Gill Wing Jewellery, London, UK
Rare, Edinburgh Contemporary Crafts, Edinburgh, UK
DJG at the Barbican, London, UK
Dazzle London 2012, National Theatre, London, UK
Mythology of Material Alchemists 2012, Seoul, South Korea
Sweet Instruments of Desire, V&A, London, UK
New Designers, Business Design Centre, London, UK
ECA Degree Show, Edinburgh College of Art, Edinburgh, UK
Work in public collections
Unsung Heroes, Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh, UK