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Sep 5, 2023 · Sophia challenges the traditional concept of success as being solely based on personal achievements, arguing instead that true success lies in making meaning...
Apr 17, 2015 · Sophia Hu is as fearless on the rugby field as she is in the classroom.“I love rugby because it’s a great way to de-stress from school,” says Hu. “Whatever f...
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Mar 13, 2017 · Sophia sees promise in a world with advanced technology and she wants to figure out how to use that technology for good to save the environment.
- The Winning Piece
- The Artist
- Business
- Saul Bell Design Award
- Jewelry
- Studio and Surroundings
- Miscellaneous
Materials. Polyester fiber, stainless steel wire and handcrafted silver components. I love working with unconventional materials and discovering how they work together. Processes and Inspirations. Drawing inspirations from traditional wood structure by evolving from basic details. The basic elements of my design are intriguing twists of intersectin...
Where do you live?
Las Vegas for three years now. Both my husband and I have professions that make it possible to live where we want. I am lucky to work out of my home.
Education and training.
I have a BA in architecture from Beijing Jiaotong University and my MA in architecture from Texas Tech. My husband is also an architect. I was a practicing architect for approximately 20 years before starting my jewelry design business. I was going to take a sculpture class at a local creative center and instead took jewelry. And I just fell in love with it. After the class I am self-taught, learning everything by myself, mostly from watching Rio Grande videos and YouTube.
How long have you been making jewelry?
Six years.
Describe your jewelry design business.
My business is called 6shadows. The name comes from the time when my husband and I had our own architect firm. When we worked late at night to meet project deadlines, there were two shadows on the curtains. We named our firm 2shadows. So I chose 6, my lucky number, in front of shadows as my jewelry studio’s name.
What is your artist statement/design philosophy?
“Drawing from my architectural training and practice, I truly believe the logic of beauty is embedded in every form of art creations as the critical role of golden ratio in ancient Greek architecture. I envision my creative life as an everlasting journey to search and perfect my golden ratio.”
How do you market/sell your work?
I started out on Etsy and built up a lot of followers through that venue. I sell from my website and exhibit at the ACC, ACE shows and a few other selected shows. My designs are also available in several nationwide high-end art galleries.
What did you feel when you found out you won a Saul Bell Design Award?
Unbelievable! One thing I hope the award will do for me is to open up the jewelry world a little more, since making jewelry is often such an isolating profession. I am very excited.
Have you entered before?
I entered a few years ago when I was less prepared; this is my second time. I learned so much from the first time and that influenced me to change my approach to designing and making jewelry.
How did you hear about the competition?
Since I am a Rio Grande customer I heard a lot about it through them and also from social media.
What is your favorite material?
I don’t want to limit myself to one material. As in my architecture practice, I select building materials according to their characters and functions. Good design is to utilize a material in its best way and to show its full potential. I want to discover new materials and see what I can create with them.
Are you influenced by trends?
No, never.
What is the one thing you most love about your studio?
My studio is in my home. I think of it as my secret garden. My husband made a glass door so I can close off my space from the rest of the house. I find great freedom in my studio to be creative.
What would you change about your studio?
More space. As my jewelry-making skills expanded, tools and materials are taking up more and more space. Especially quite often I’m simultaneously working on several designs in different mediums.
What is your favorite tool?
My jewelry saw, since sawing is the first skill I learned and it’s the first jewelry tool I bought. It reminds me of the very beginning of my jeweler’s life.
Your advice to new entrepreneurs when starting to run an art-based business?
I changed my career in mid-life. My advice is to “Be Prepared.” Both financially and psychologically. And it is important to have a shoulder to lean on whether it is family or friends.
What achievement in your jewelry life are you most proud?
I love the idea that I have found a way to communicate with the world through jewelry making. You can see more of Sophia's work at www.6shadows.net. Interview by Marlene Richey
Award winning jewelry artist Sophia Hu founded her jewelry studio, 6Shadows, in 2012. She has two award winning jewelry collections in metal and fiber.
Sophia Hu "I am an architect, and I love to design and make jewelry with my own hands. Sterling silver, gold, and other natural materials are my new "building materials" in these small-scale sculptures.
