Sophia Hu, our June Artist of the Month, brings her keen eye as an architect to her jewelry practice, creating sculptural works across a variety of materials. The unique combination of architectural influences and creative experimentation in her work has won her multiple awards, including the Saul Bell award and the MJSA Vision Award.
Learn more about Sophia, her inspiration, and her work in the interview below.
Art/craft to me is a lifestyle; it is my everyday life.
What is your artistic background?
I am an architectural designer and jewelry artist. I was born and raised in Beijing, studied architecture at Texas Tech, and have been working in the United States as an architect since 1995. Although I have transitioned from architecture to silversmithing, architectural motifs continue to appear in my work. Sterling silver, gold, and other natural materials are my new “building supplies” in these small-scale sculptures. To me, jewelry design and making is an extension of myself and the world around me. Space, shadow and geometry play important roles in my aesthetic and jewelry design. Each piece is handcrafted in my studio, 6shadows, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
What are your favorite materials to work with/types of items to make?
Unlike most other artists, I really don’t have favorite materials to work with. In other words, I like to work with all kinds of materials if they speak to me, if they’re the best carriers for my imaginations. I don’t want to limit myself to certain materials. I believe good design always uses materials to their best advantage. I’m excited to discover the unexpected characteristics of some common materials which will surprise and inspire viewers.
From where do you draw your inspiration?
I think my creativity just kind of jumps impulsively. Some very creative ideas even come while I’m driving. So my husband says that I’m the most dangerous driver in the U.S.
What is your creative process like?
Working with different mediums makes my creative process more enjoyable. My studio has two parts. I have a jewelry bench, torch, kiln, polishing station in my “dark” room, while I work with fibers in my sunshine filled “light” room. Whenever I’m exhausted with hammers and flex shafts on silver gold designs, I’ll escape from “dark” to “light”, and vice versa. My creative energy is flowing with less interruption in this way.
What is the most rewarding thing about your practice?
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.
And what challenges do you face as an artist?
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.
Outside of your practice, do you do any other creative activities/what are your interests?
Painting, especially watercolor is my favorite. I also enjoy hiking very much. As a Las Vegas local, I seldom go to the strip unless friends are in town. Las Vegas is surrounded by mountains. With many fabulous trails nearby, hiking is a great escape for me after long working hours in my studio.
What role does the artist have in society?
I think the culture and history of Asia has given depths and layers to my designs. My background offers me a broader understanding of different cultures. Just before the pandemic, my husband and I went to Italy, Germany, and Switzerland for a month. I was really surprised at how this broadened my understanding of culture and history. People tend to come up with a common cultural language. Even if there are differences, there are also a lot of similarities.
In my mind designers in this fast-growing, global society need to be more open to other cultures and traditions. For example, I’m very interested in how western designers interpret Chinese symbols and images. I’m always delighted by fresh interpretations of Chinese culture from different points of view. This experience encourages me and also my collectors to see things from different angles, which often brings out new ideas in my designs.
What is art/craft to you?
Art/craft to me is a lifestyle; it is my everyday life.
Tell us about your favorite artist or artists that inspire you.
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.
You can find a selection of Sophia’s work in our Store at 5645 Butler Street, and you can find Sophia on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can also learn more about Sophia at www.6shadows.net.
