Today we’d like to introduce you to Dain Kim.
Hi Dain, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I wasn’t born wearing a pearl necklace, but certainly grew an interest in one as I grew up. My parents were creative individuals and helped me to build my career as a one too. Although I wanted to be a lawyer when I was very little and do art as a side job. Until I quickly realized that becoming an artist is a pretty serious deal for me.
I was doing art as a side job when I just started my college life in Seoul. Until I met a friend who was interested in jewelry. I started to make things with her and sell things on school market just for fun. And well, it was just a little too fun! I quickly realized I had interest in making things, wearing things, even selling the things I made. Thus naturally, wanted to become a jewelry designer.
Now since I achieved my college degree in jewelry and metalsmithing in Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and have more of a vision in what I do, my goal is to make jewelry for every individuals that has interest in jewelry. My works could look very classic or very casual depends on the wearer’s purposes. The collections are also based on different symbols from all over the world and explores it in classic-punk way.
I used to think pearl necklaces are boring. But now my job is to not make them boring for you.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Coming abroad to United States sounds like a dream come true for anyone, but most of the roads were unpaved when I arrived. I barely had any friends or family members in the states that I could rely on and had to stand on my own two unstable feet to pursue my American dream. I do believe it is the same or even worse for some who come and go abroad to chase their dreams. I gotta say that things do get better if you try hard and build relationships with some truly amazing people you meet on your way. I could not have made it this far otherwise.
My creative blocks have also been one of my worst enemy for me to deal with. I knew my strong suits and worst suits, and sometimes worst suits just overpowered the strong suits. In those times, I tried my best to build a healthy mindset and hobbies outside of what I do professionally. Such as cooking, which helped greatly if I do it right.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love to explore on different symbols around the world and interpret them in my own classic-punk way. The collection ‘Pelvic Heart’ explores the worldwide known symbol ‘heart’ and blends it right in with bones and pearls. The main focus was to expose the ironic standards that society has towards what symbols could and could not be worn in certain gender.
My other collection ‘The Classic’ is quite literal in a way that the symbol is interpreted within the collection, but with just a little bit of modern spice. The classic statue head necklace could make you the center of any party you bash in. While as the dear-leaf motif necklace ‘Artemis’ is adjustable in its length and style. The vintage-classic style ring ‘Framework’ could also be worn in many ways, which is another concept that I love to explore.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Some of the greatest books can be found in vintage stores, and I found my favorite art book in used bookstore in Boston called ‘Digital Handmade’ by Lucy Johnson. The book features some amazing ideas and artists that explore the creative world using the newest technologies. In the process of making my works, I had great amount of help from modern technology. However, this book opens up a whole new level of excitement towards how they could be used for better.
My other recent favorite book is ‘Cedars’ Illustrated by Maria Medem, English poem by Todd Fleming Davis and Arabic poem by Youmna Saba. Although most of my works don’t include colors, I do have mad fascination towards it. This book is definitely a cure for someone who loves to stick with monotonous color and life. There’s nothing wrong with it. But this book may make you think twice.
Pricing:
- Artemis Necklace – $200
- The Framework Ring(individual) – $80
Contact Info:
- Email: dainkim1026@gmail.com
- Website: https://dainkimportfolio.com/
- Instagram: @dainkim1026
Image Credits:
Skye Brumley, Andrew Dixon, Andrew Gabay
