Interview with Australian Japanese jeweler artist Kieko Uno
Keiko Uno jewellery connects you to a world of breathtaking beauty. Created out of a passion for excellence, and the unique synergy of the youthful Australian spirit and traditional Japanese principles, Keiko Uno jewellery is committed to creating inspirational jewellery that exudes confidence, sophistication and allure.
Exhibition opening photos by Manish Bolla at MK Creative Photography Studio
Keiko Uno Jewellery exhibition of Keiko Uno jewelry designeshttp://www.keiko-jewellery.com/ (Japan) February 27 2016
Photography: Manish Bolla at MK Creative Imagery Photo Studio
Location: Karma Rottnest, Rottnest Island, Western Australia WA
Bohemian Rhapsody Club is very grateful to Keiko for this exclusive invite, for her interview and the opportunity to cover the exhibition opening and to Manish for beautiful photos.
Keiko Uno Jewellery exhibition of Keiko Uno jewelry designeshttp://www.keiko-jewellery.com/ (Japan) February 27 2016
Photography: Manish Bolla at MK Creative Imagery Photo Studio
Location: Karma Rottnest, Rottnest Island, Western Australia WA
Bohemian Rhapsody Club is very grateful to Keiko for this exclusive invite, for her interview and the opportunity to cover the exhibition opening and to Manish for beautiful photos.
NM: Dear Keiko, thank you for your time you kindly agreed to talk to our readers. Your works are quite unique and inspiring Tell you please tell us a little bit about yourself: where did you learn the art of jewelry?
KU: Thanks Natasha and thank you to your members for their interest in my work.
I’m Keiko Uno, designer and managing director of Keiko Uno Jewellery. I’m a Perth born and based Japanese jewellery designer creating luxury ocean motif jewellery.
I’m a second generation jeweller who began designing jewellery at her Mother’s opal, diamond and pearl emporium in Perth. I’ve studied in Japan and Australia to achieve formal qualifications, and learnt from masters around the world.
My jewellery is a reflection of both cultures. My Australian upbringing injects youth, vibrancy and flair into my designs. And my Japanese heritage drives me to a constant pursuit of excellence.
Keiko Uno Jewellery is sold both nationally and internationally and is loved and worn by inspirational women such as Julia Bishop MP, and surfing legends Stephanie Gilmore and Layne Beachley.
KU: Thanks Natasha and thank you to your members for their interest in my work.
I’m Keiko Uno, designer and managing director of Keiko Uno Jewellery. I’m a Perth born and based Japanese jewellery designer creating luxury ocean motif jewellery.
I’m a second generation jeweller who began designing jewellery at her Mother’s opal, diamond and pearl emporium in Perth. I’ve studied in Japan and Australia to achieve formal qualifications, and learnt from masters around the world.
My jewellery is a reflection of both cultures. My Australian upbringing injects youth, vibrancy and flair into my designs. And my Japanese heritage drives me to a constant pursuit of excellence.
Keiko Uno Jewellery is sold both nationally and internationally and is loved and worn by inspirational women such as Julia Bishop MP, and surfing legends Stephanie Gilmore and Layne Beachley.
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NM. This is quite a muscular profession and quite a hard one to handle physically: a jeweller... Why jewelry, Keiko?
KU: You’re right, traditionally jewellers were mostly males, but there are now many more females entering the trade, which is great to see. It’s certainly hard on your hands, but the end result makes it worthwhile.
As a child, I loved my Grandmother wearing her jewels, they somehow altered the air about her, this fascinated and ignited my passion for gems and jewellery.
With the growing demand for my jewellery, I channel more and more energy into design - taking a piece from initial idea to prototype. Designing isn’t nearly as physical as working precious metals, which I’m grateful for.
KU: You’re right, traditionally jewellers were mostly males, but there are now many more females entering the trade, which is great to see. It’s certainly hard on your hands, but the end result makes it worthwhile.
As a child, I loved my Grandmother wearing her jewels, they somehow altered the air about her, this fascinated and ignited my passion for gems and jewellery.
With the growing demand for my jewellery, I channel more and more energy into design - taking a piece from initial idea to prototype. Designing isn’t nearly as physical as working precious metals, which I’m grateful for.
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NM. How long have you been in jewelry art?
KU: My Mother opened her jewelry business in the mid 80s, and I started working for her in 1992.
KU: My Mother opened her jewelry business in the mid 80s, and I started working for her in 1992.
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NM. I know that the real artist get inspired from anything he/she sees: be it nature, people or even sun light so to speak. So I should ask: what inspires you the most? (I’ve also talked about my creative process)
KU: Beauty inspires me. And most of all, the ocean has been a constant source of inspiration for me.
My vision can be anything from the play of light shimmering on the ocean, the alluring patterns sculptured by the sea, the sounds of the ocean, its raw energy, to fun childhood memories at the beach.
I breathe, clear my mind, and allow the magical experience of the sea to take over me, and then set to work to capture this scene. I experiment with textures and finishes, I allow the form and lines to direct the flow of the eye, and I add focus with the accent of a single gemstone or employ a palette of jewels for a spectacular finish.
I work to convey a story, while creating balance in my jewellery, by harmonizing inherent dualities.
KU: Beauty inspires me. And most of all, the ocean has been a constant source of inspiration for me.
My vision can be anything from the play of light shimmering on the ocean, the alluring patterns sculptured by the sea, the sounds of the ocean, its raw energy, to fun childhood memories at the beach.
I breathe, clear my mind, and allow the magical experience of the sea to take over me, and then set to work to capture this scene. I experiment with textures and finishes, I allow the form and lines to direct the flow of the eye, and I add focus with the accent of a single gemstone or employ a palette of jewels for a spectacular finish.
I work to convey a story, while creating balance in my jewellery, by harmonizing inherent dualities.
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NM: What would be your next inpirational idea you would like to materialise / your new set of works we should expect in the neara future?
KU: For nearly a year now, I’ve been working on a project exploring the relationship between the sea and formidable rock formations, such as Sugar Loaf Rock in Yallingup, WA.
It’s not just the arresting physical beauty, but also the spiritual experience of giant structures such as Sugarloaf Rock that inspires me. The energy of the clash between rock and ocean is a powerful and moving experience. This formidable sea-sculptured rock is a lesson in perseverance, it implores us to carve out our own path, and teaches that with vision and passionate determination anything is possible.
KU: For nearly a year now, I’ve been working on a project exploring the relationship between the sea and formidable rock formations, such as Sugar Loaf Rock in Yallingup, WA.
It’s not just the arresting physical beauty, but also the spiritual experience of giant structures such as Sugarloaf Rock that inspires me. The energy of the clash between rock and ocean is a powerful and moving experience. This formidable sea-sculptured rock is a lesson in perseverance, it implores us to carve out our own path, and teaches that with vision and passionate determination anything is possible.
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NM. Is there something that you are still learning about jewelry?
KU: I don’t think you ever stop learning in your profession if you’re passionate about your field. Fashion, culture and art influences jewellery, so these are avenues always open to exploration. And advancements in technology open up new possibilities in the realm of design and fabrication, so there’s always new challenges you can set yourself.
KU: I don’t think you ever stop learning in your profession if you’re passionate about your field. Fashion, culture and art influences jewellery, so these are avenues always open to exploration. And advancements in technology open up new possibilities in the realm of design and fabrication, so there’s always new challenges you can set yourself.
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NM: If you had one wish…
KU: To achieve my goal of becoming a globally celebrated name in jewellery.
KU: To achieve my goal of becoming a globally celebrated name in jewellery.
Photographer details (exhibition opening photos only)
Name : Manish Bolla
Professional service by : MK Creative Imagery
Email currently : [email protected]
But will update when my website is up and running.
Website : Still under construction - www.mkcreativeimagery.com.au
FB: MK Creative Imagery
Instagram: @mkcreativeimagery
Ph: 0433386731
Name : Manish Bolla
Professional service by : MK Creative Imagery
Email currently : [email protected]
But will update when my website is up and running.
Website : Still under construction - www.mkcreativeimagery.com.au
FB: MK Creative Imagery
Instagram: @mkcreativeimagery
Ph: 0433386731
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