Yingxin Fan

Jewellery & Metal (MA)

About

Yingxin Fan is a designer and artist. During her year of practice at the RCA, she has concentrated on examining the complexities of the relationship between nature and life, and on identifying methods of communicating this relationship through the medium of jewellery. She believes that jewellery is more than just decoration, it is a form of expression. Over the past year, she has been engaged in an investigation of the potential of handmade jewellery as a conduit for narrative expression. She asserts that with the rapid development of modelling software, the texture of a handmade product is of paramount importance.

The process of casting jewellery and the meaning behind it is an important aspect to explore in her practice. The use of wax as a key tool in her creative process is also of considerable importance. She attempts to explore the boundaries of shape and structure in wax. Wax has the potential to be malleable and finely detailed. Through the casting process, it is possible to retain the ephemeral qualities that wax presents and solidify them into lasting, tangible works of art. The duality embedded in the inherent fragility of wax and the strength of the metal expression after the casting is complete reflects the complexity and ambivalence of the relationship between life and nature, as well as the relationship between nature and life.

In her final work, she turns her attention to the binary opposition between the strength of nature and the fragility of life, which also serves as her primary methodology. She draws inspiration from the volcanic eruption, employing wax as her principal creative tool. The devastation wrought by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius at Pompeii evoked in her a sense of the fragility of life. At the same time, the ruins of this ancient city offered her an insight into the cyclical nature of life. She thus sought to explore the metaphor of the primal power of nature and life through the use of magma and lava, the very elements that had shaped the landscape of Pompeii.

The artist’s intention is to create a narrative through her work, which encourages the wearer and audience to reflect on the symbiotic relationship between life and the environment. The objective is to foster a more profound comprehension of the natural world.

Content Warning

The content on this website may contain themes and materials that some users find distressing or offensive. Further, the content on this website may not be suitable for individuals under the age of 18. User discretion is advised.

Any views and opinions expressed in this student profile represent the views and opinions of the student and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Royal College of Art or its employees or affiliates. The appearance of any views or opinions on this page do not constitute endorsement of those views by the Royal College of Art. This student profile has been made available for informational purposes only. The Royal College of Art does not make any representations or warranties with regard to the accuracy of any information provided in this student profile, nor does it warrant the performance, effectiveness or applicability of any listed or linked sites. The Royal College of Art is not responsible for the content submitted by any user, or for the defamatory, offensive or illegal conduct of any user. If you wish to report any errors or inappropriate material that may cause offence, please email feedback@rca.ac.uk 

To opt out >