Our featured Artist Member for December 2024 is jeweller Misun Won.
Misun’s jewellery is inspired from Korean traditional wrapping cloth ‘Jogakbo’ and its scientific interpretation with fractal geometry. She hand pierces out patterns from a single sheet of silver and folds to make its unique structure in order to celebrate the meaningful ritual of the patchwork making process.
She specialises in an ancient Korean gilding technique called Keumboo (24ct gold) to emphasise the dynamic rhythmical structures in her jewellery.
My jewellery is inspired by the beautiful Korean traditional wrapping cloth, Jogakbo, and its fascinating connection to fractal geometry. Jogakbo is a lovely patchworked cloth made from small pieces of leftover fabric, used to wrap objects or food thoughtfully and respectfully. I love connecting the idea of wrapping from this patchwork to my jewellery, as it captures the essence of this ancient Korean craft. I enjoy creating pieces from sheets of silver or gold, featuring playful patchworked circles or ovals that repeat or are arranged randomly, giving them a fun three-dimensional look!
My studio is a small but cosy space located at Coburg House Art Studios, a former granary and seed storage site that has been transformed into artist studios for over 20 years. It serves as a thriving hub for artists, designers, and makers in the heart of Leith, Edinburgh. Since I spend most of my time in the studio, I like to create a homey atmosphere. One-half of the space is filled with jewellery-making tools and machinery, while the other half features a small, comfortable chair, plenty of plants, and a collection of books, providing me with a place to rest and breathe.
Choosing a favourite piece can be quite a challenge! I often find myself drawn to the newest addition to my collection, especially if it’s something I’ve been contemplating for a while or a unique, one-of-a-kind item. The Parallelogram ring provides insight into my creative process. Making jewellery is truly a labour of love! It’s a slow and thoughtful journey, as I handle everything by hand – from designing the patterns to the final touches like burnishing. Even after more than 17 years of creating, the process still requires time and care. The Parallelogram ring showcases the beauty of handmade artistry and highlights my skills. I hope you love it as much as I do!
I’ve always had a deep admiration for makers and designers who pour their hearts into their work and pursue their passions with dedication. Dorothy Hogg is definitely one of those amazing individuals! She has been a huge inspiration for me, helping me grow as an independent jeweller during my postgraduate studies under her guidance. Plus, her career path and life journey have been wonderful role models for me since I started in the contemporary jewellery field.
A collection of Misun’s work is available to purchase in the gallery and via our online store.