Though her creativity is firmly rooted in her Asian heritage, Cindy Chao’s work is the epitome of European savoir-faire – an entirely unique perspective that sees her refine the classic craft to its highest level, setting the artist apart from all other contemporaries. This is seen no more so than with the wax sculpting that Cindy Chao begins her creative process with – a technique that derives from 18th century Europe.
Known as cire perdue, this artisan casting method offers unparalleled precision to her creations, with each curve and undulation bringing graceful movement and dramatic tension to the finished haute joaillerie. These wax sculptures become wearable art via the finest of materials and the deftness of touches. Titanium metal work – using the toughest metals to form the softest curvatures – lays the foundation, while ebony, bacote and French lacquers are among other unconventional media used as the vehicle for Cindy Chao’s art expression.
Intricate lattices of gemstones lend an alluring touch to every piece. An architect of colour, Cindy Chao masters the use of light and shadow, taking inspiration from colour stacking techniques in oil paintings to define a new jewellery aesthetic with an innate sense of space and layered three-dimensionality. Thoughtfully sourced gemstones – where hypnotic refractions dance across diamonds – boast always-exceptional cuts, carats and clarity, bringing her pieces to life with scintillating effect.
