Liu Qiwei

Qiwei is a jeweller, silversmith and a researcher from China, with a multicultural education background, who is currently pursuing a PhD at Edinburgh College of Art. His work explores the possibilities of jewellery and silversmithing. He believes the crafts shares similarities with cooking, utilizing various methods to transform "raw" materials into more desirable forms. He is particularly interested in discovering new "ingredients" that can enhance the creative process.

Q&A

Artist Statement

The “Un-title” series is inspired by the artist’s personal experience of funeral rituals and related cultures. Its form draws inspiration from sacrifice offerings such as cakes and animals. The primary material combines animal ashes with enamel, undergoing firing. This artwork is full of contradictory elements: “cupcake” made from negative ashes that resembles their living forms, presenting in the colourful shapes; or it appears as Cairn-a burial mound. The meaning it conveys depends on the viewer’s perspective. It can be seen as a satirical take on funeral rites – offerings made from the ashes of the deceased, or as a glimmer of hope in despair, a rebirth from the ashes of destruction.

What craft do you work with?

I mainly work with all the crafts related to jewelry and silversmithing. I began this during my undergraduate studies, and I enjoy working with fire, reshaping materials in various ways.

What inspires you to work with this craft?

Everything happened around me, I would like to re-make it through craft.

How do you start your creative process?

Usually, my new ideas for my next work come at random times, like when I’m walking or showering. These ideas could involve a new technique or a fresh perspective on an event. I revisit and contemplate these ideas repeatedly over time. During this process, I reject most of them. For the ideas that survive this scrutiny, I make notes and begin experiments.

How would you best describe your workspace and what tools could you not do without?

Currently, I work in the university workshop. As a jeweller, I have a lot of tools, with my favourite being those I have either made or adjusted myself.

Are there new techniques you would like to try?

I would like to try ceramics sometime.