Raffles Grad "MAGNET" 2014

Its always excited to see what junior's majors are, so on Thursday, attended Raffles Graduation night, and its call "MAGNET". The works that were produced by the Jewelry Design Graduates were really cool, everyone has a totally different kind of style and ways of making their collection.

the next generation of graduated students

Below are some of the grad's work, and...
My favorite collection of the night were by Cheryl Chua's that are inspired by Lava Rocks.

Cheryl Chua

Wan Pei - blog

Ezzy Arif

Annabel Chong

Experiencing Penland School of Crafts

*updates : all photos are posted up on facebook and its all sorted up by the weeks beginning from week 1 till 8

Welcoming students on the first day of class 'orientation'

Being able to experience Penland is amazing. I was there as the studio assistant for the fall concentration of 2013 which is in Adam's class. The amazing thing I find in Penland is the peacefulness with the nature surroundings around it which I have been longing for, as its been awhile since I been to a place surrounded of nature like my grandparent's farm. Within these beautiful surroundings there's so much ARTS, CRAFTS and DESIGNS, HUMOURS and FUN. In short Penland is

 'AWESOME'. 

view from the pines/cafeteria out to the null

a little panoramic view photography before i updated my iPhone *pffffft*

Views of Penland

In Penland they have various studios from Clays, Metals, Irons, Glass, Woods, Letterpress, and all the way to Photography when I was there, which is really cool. The people undertaking those studio are even cooler. hahahaha btw *if anyone of you from my concentration you know I'm talking about you.  It was great meeting new people and I personally thought I would have a really hard time to join in but it wasn't. *whew*

So I was in metal class and the first day I met Ian Henderson to help setting up toolkits, and supplies for the students in the class. During this 8 weeks concentration, we did so much, it absolutely fits in the word 'concentration'!!! from teaching students sawing, filling and sanding to castings, and one of it that I am so interested in is the Chasing and Repousse class demo, which I didnt learn when I was in college. I shouldn't be comparing what I learnt in college, but in Penland, the students in my class took 3 weeks to learned a few techniques but in college it will take us about 3 months which is a semester there but of course we were in different modules but the same technique. I am really impressed as how the students were in the class and thinking to my own, Ahhhhh, I could have been better in my college time.

Class photo during Core Night 2013

*left: Bryn, Rene, Terilyn, Me, Tory, Zee, Angela, Adam and Camielle

The class were a good mix personality wise and everyone has their own kind of work and style which I like a lot as; I prefer learning from peers as well. Everyone are really good with their hands as a few of them were new at it. I made samples mostly as I can figure it out that I can explore further when I am back in Malaysia, but I did made some cool belt buckles that I loved a lot and got it sold during auction and to an artist, Micah Evans, glass artist. Furthermore, I made a few trades and the people who got my work were really happy. *glad* Will be posting some of the work I did in Penland on facebook.

name pendants

Shooting my chasing and repousse sample

Instead of views and the classes, what I like a lot is the food, especially non asian food, like Mexican and pasta, they are really good!!!!! but theres only one asian food that tasted the best which is the soup noodle with pork and bean sprouts and I only had it once, and knowing me I never miss meals like lunch and dinner.

meals of Penland

looking at them again makes me hungry and craves for them 

Those aside, during my concentration they would have presentations weekly, every Tuesday which is really nice to have. Its all presented by Instructors, Studio Assistants, Visiting Artist, Resident Artist, Core Students, and Studio Coordinators and the works that are presented are really cool. I love seeing people's work and especially presented by the maker/designer themselves. 

As the studio assistant of Metals, I have to present as well, which are on same day as the famous people in Penland *drum roll please*  Adam Whitney, Jay Burham-Kidwell (Iron insturctor) and Adam Kisor (Iron studio assistant). I was really nervous about it, because on that day of presentation, I heard that the hall is going to be full with audiences because the presenters are really good, and I totally agrees with them because I finally get to see Jay's work as I cant see much of his work online and Adam Kisor's works is really good from what I heard from others.. and theres no need to say for Adam Whitney, I've been in his class for 2 years HAHA. Everyone's presentation were very inspiring.

In the end, the presentation went on pretty well and I got good comments right away after it ended. Its my first time presenting to so much people, great experience. *sweet*

A joke cheer board, *I saw nothing* hahaha

The next best thing about Penland is that they have a gallery of their own just nearby, and the works are by the artists that supported, visited, taught and any means of being a part of Penland. The works are really inspiring, and I saw Mary Ann Scherr's work as I heard so much about when I was in college. It was like a 'hot topic' among the seniors about Mary Ann's work, it was really cool to finally seen it.

Simple delicate details, totally minimalism

The last day of concentration is the show and tell day and its the best and hardest day to live in because we get to see what everyone worked on for the whole concentration, and its the day of saying goodbye to the students and people that have been with you closely for 2 months. Is not easy for a person that's emotional and person that cared too much. 

*mostly* Everyone's work 

Experiencing Penland were a total joy, all thanks to Adam who invited me and not only Adam but I have everyone to thank for as everyone were so nice and willing to share their life and work experience with their specific materials. I learnt a lot of stuff, and this trip to Penland, US had my view in things totally different or maybe I can say a whole new level. There is so much to talk about my experience, but experiencing on your own is the best way. 

But before I left Penland to NYC, I celebrated my birthday the night before, 16/11/2013 with the work studies, there were so much laughter, hugs, dance, talking and crying moments 

*I was really happy. Thank You*

After the concentration I went back to New York and made a promise to myself that I have to go back Penland after I have finished my studies and had a stable income and instead of that, I will introduce my friends about Penland, so they can experience what I went through. please do email or facebook me if you want to know more. matthewyew@hotmail.com 

peace out!

Raffles Graduation MY TURN 21032013

This news have been a week old but, I had graduated as an Advanced Diploma Holder in Jewelry Design in Raffles KL, and I got the 'Best Student Award' and so as the 'Best Collection Award. and thankyou for those who came during the exhibition in Fahrenheit.

It feels like yesterday that I just enrolled into Raffles Jewelry Design, and now Im a fresh graduate. The 2 years have been fun and it has so much sweet memories, met so many new people from the same course and  different course. Honestly being a Jewelry Design student is awesome, because this department had been like a family to me because everyone were being so close to each other, its like when ones had problem the otherS would know bout it, people might think we are 8, but this is how our department works. So Glad

The 'Double' Awards photo. The award is just a bouquet of flowers for each award.

So many person i want to Thank for being able to be where I am right now, especially the 2 lecturers that taught me, Adam Whitney and Sydney Scherr. Both a great lecturer with their respective experience and design ideology. Its been fun learning under them even though there times i stuck on certain step, but everything worked out, not sure whether they will saw this but, i had alrdy thank them respectively hahahahaha. Next would be my lovable juniors and seniors, super supportive. you guys been great to me, u guys didnt really made a fuss over me, which i am very grateful of hahaha.. lastly and not least my parents that had supported me so long since i started this course, xie xie.

My collection includes 2 separate sets, which is the mens collection and womens collection. The entire collection is inspired by the Art of Nature, below is the hand fabricated necklace with choker, entirely in sterling silver and with the use of liver of sulphate.

Photo Credit: Raffles Photographer

(fyi, this is not the real product shoot for this necklace and this were taken during the exhibition)

Making this entire collection had been fun, and i were able to try many techniques on making this collection a success, but honestly, i did not felt that I myself as a designer explored enough... anyhow, done is done, but might be enlarging this collection with different techniques like enamel and piercing, (will be fun) more pictures will be posted after the collection is being photoshoot. So stay tune for it..

Thereafter the graduation, I will be entering the next stage in life after diploma which is Internship, that will be starting after today, havent able to find a company yet. anyone wants to hire me? Email me please: matthewyew@hotmail.com Or if you want to have a custom design made and a collaboration, email me as well for further information.

Ended the 8th Semester

Aiy, semester break are ending soon, so excited for my coming final semester in Raffles, its certainly been a short but nice journey excluding all the rushing for due dates and last minute studies for test,, but its all well.

passing in all classes, now theres only 3 classes left for me in Raffles including my internship. Havent really got a clue yet to do intern for which company but certainly not helping my dad yet, had made a promise that after i got my degree and being certified as gemologist then only i will be back helping dad :)

Its still a long way to go but time sure flies quick. So, the previous studio class were stone setting and another class Jewelry Technology as we have to design for mass production while the studio class are to learn stone setting. Seriously, stone setting isnt my thing at all, but i got to at least learn it and pass my class LOL. But Sydney had been a great help with it, sadly she left the college because of some childish issues. gonna miss you in the studio Sydney.

Learn a lot about accuracy and the way stones sets in, i actually didnt thought that the steps would be so little just burring the holes with different burs and cleaning up but the important is accuracy whether the hole is bur straight and the heights and everything, is not easy. Below are some of my setting samples.

Bezel and Flush Setting Samples (ignore my fingerprint)

Partial Bezel Setting Sample (got A for this)

4 Point Prong Setting Sample

Tension Setting Sample (please ignore all the fire scales)

Channel Setting Sample (the most hideous setting sample)

Group picture of my settings samples.

Instead of Setting samples, the class also requires us to design a jewelry with stones incorporated and also with a chosen designer. What i chosen were George Sawyer's magnificent mokume pieces. It inspired me and influenced me a lot, and i had a mind set of making my own mokume but with copper and brass instead of silver and gold,but sadly my design were too complex and made me to do a much much more simpler piece due to the time frame i had before the due. 

this is my piece, inspired from George Sawyer's butterfly mokume, because i like the way he had his black mokume so that it totally contrast with the gold. Supposingly the interior of the piece is gold plated but there were technical misunderstandings of patina plated materials and turned out my entire piece became patina sadly. If not there will be an extreme contrast betwen the interior gold and exterior patina. The stone i used were just a pink cubic zirconia stone. The base material of this piece is sterling silver.

For jewelry technology class, i designed a collection of jewelry that can be mass produced. Its called the 'Minimal Tri's Collection'. This class were great for me because of my dad's business as i need to learn to design for mass produce therefore this class helped me a lot. So what i had were a tie chain and a necklace with a button interchangeable piece and a pendant matching with a pair of earring. Below is just the pendant and necklace piece. Material is Sterling Silver with a white cubic zirconia stone. If your interested, you can email me in matthewyew@hotmail.com with the subject stated 'MTC'

'WALK' and 'SWIM' like the 'MERPUNKS'

Wassup readers, there this new fbshop call the MERMAID AND PUNKS, 
or they would like to call themselves MERPUNKS and they sell awe-inspiring accessories that will rock your soul. hahaha

and this is how they describes themselves

Mermaid and Punks we are,

we speak of souls and ghouls

we listen to the ocean waves,

we walk like rockers,

we swim like mermers.

Their accessories are unisex but it all actually depends on how you style it with, All their current accessories are in good quality 
and its pricing are fair, from the range of RM20's therefore, its cheap and is totally worth it if you want to do a budget online shopping like me.

below are few of their pieces that they are selling currently, so get them while the stock lasts :)

the Golden Stone Age Necklace

Rich with Diamonds Necklace 

Round Red Plastic Specs

Round Vintage Specs

Awesome right the accessories?! hahaha, this is the first time i did fashion online shopping with them and i got myself a round retro metal frame sunglasses and their service were great, because they were able to manage their shipment and arrived just at the time i wanted it to be which is important to the customer.

Imma rocking with my new round sunglasses,
i've never tried before round retro sunglasses and i felt like currently is a trend to have one, hahaha so i bought it :)
took this photo with IPhone 4S front cam, the resolution suxx terribly

Anyhow, start shopping with them, and you will be a satisfied customer like i am now 

you can contact Lullaby Hew on facebook or u can just drop by a comment on the MERPUNKS's facebook page

Happy Shopping peeps, 

Visiting Royal Selangor 03102012

Whoo!! thats fast, Week2 for this semester is about to over, and assignments had alrdy started pilling up, theres just so much to do as im graduating in 6 months time.

My group and Sydney went for field trip visiting Royal Selangor for our Jewel Tech class as we need to learn about tech on mass production? hahaha no idea the reason why, but the reason we joined is that we can work with pewter cause they have these workshop called 'The School of Hard Knocks'



This workshop is actually teaching us how to make bowls with pewter by 'knocking' on a flat sheet of pewter, its way easier then doing it with silver like my bowl assignment i did for my previous sem, working with pewter is much softer and we were also looking around in their gallery and factory as they produce many pewter products like bowls, tableware, trophies and etc, the work is beautiful, if u got time and got no place to go? drop by there! the service are friendly and the work is just fantastic :)



and also did i mention they got their own jewelry line as well?, its called Selberan and they have some very nice jewelry there, its worth to have a look and even my senior's work were featured there too, for their Valentine collection. The place is not far from Raffles KL and fyi, Royal Selangor is one of Malaysia's Proudest Brand, so if foreigners are trying to look for a place to explore and see Malaysia made stuff, you should drop by here.

one of Royal Selangor's Pewter Tableware with gold plated dragon

this is the 'DIGI MAN' trophy

hahahaha, now im like promoting Royal Selangor, got this habit that if i loved the place i will be talking about it as like im promoting, is this habit a good thing or bad? LOL

After visiting the Royal Selangor, we went to Levain for lunch, the food and environment there are just lovely, their bakery are good and i love their Japanese Curry Rice, just got to order that whenever im there hahaha.

tasty colourful macaroons bought by Betty

Anyhow, had been spending a lot of times on my rendering for the OE and SJDA design competition, hope im even qualify, i doesnt wanna put that much of high hopes in it because im very afraid of expecting too much and couldnt achieve it later on.



Oh also, i purchased this awesome sunglasses from MERPUNKS recently,
and i will be blogging bout this fb/blogshop soon.

How I spent my lonely sem break your asking?

Wassup people, im currently on the semester break, and few more days left till a new semester begins and so as the war, (fyi i meant assignments) Next classwill be about stone settings, its gonna be complicated with my clumsy eyesight and fingers, gonna be suffocating with stress,

even before the semester start, im alrdy on stress, thinking bout my graduation and major project pieces as what im gonna design and make, everything is depending on this final project, i had drew and design many collection or pieces based on a particular inspiration but it just didnt really suit me i felt.

well, gotta wait, when the time comes, i'll just have to look for advice from lecturers and dad...

havent been productive this whole semester break (only a week), just slacking off, wakes up at 1 evening and have breakfast, then fetch sister from school, then help mom with cooking dinner, then bath, then dinner then start my movie night, fb-ing and coloring my stork pendant. Kinda regret doing all these waking up late cause i now dont have the enough time on finish rendering my jewelleries for SJDA, so i might as well give up on participating in the SJDA competition. So sad, now im just wanting to finish render it and put it into my portfolio for graduation instead. 

this is the stork im talking bout, havent been rendering very good 

cause i nvr been practicing much, will be posting a finished one in the future post.

But i sure did had fun watching 2 movies every night, there were comedy, horror, sci-fi and all but the best were The Change-Up, even though is comedy, it has a moral value in it and i just laugh hard on that entire movie... pffft...  HAHAHAHA,

this are the movies i watched, 'The Change-Up , The Roommate , Apollo 18 , Prometheus , Red Ridding Hood , The Cabin in The Woods and The Horrible Bosses. All accompanied me every night thankyou LOL

 

gotta go back to the real world next week, 

so gotta have fun hahaha