MIT jewellery student gets national recognition

Monday, 10 October 2007

Playful pieces earn MIT jewellery student national recognition

Child’s play took on new meaning for Manukau School of Visual Arts (MSVA) student JooYick Bong, with her prize-winning jewellery when her work was recognised in the New Zealand Student Craft/Design Award 2007.

The award, which was sponsored by TheNewDowse Friends, saw the fourth year student receive the runners-up merit prize last week.

“I was shocked when I received the call saying I had been awarded the prize. I did not expect to be chosen as one of the award recipients,” says JooYick.

According to the judges, JooYick’s originality of response to the brief and the “great ideas behind this based on play, children's toys, interactive possibilities and connections; the fun nature of the product; the choice and use of foam material and bright colours; and the good standard of [JooYick’s] presentation boards” stood out for them.

“My work emphasises interaction between the viewers, the individual pieces and the artist,” says JooYick, adding that working on a part time basis in a childcare centre inspired her tremendously.

“My ideas are derived from children’s toys, focusing on how children play with them, the colours and the shapes of the toys. I concentrated on toy blocks where children build different structures using their imagination and creativity. They make their own designs and have the satisfaction of creating structures that did not exist before.”

JooYick says her pieces are easily joined together, allowing people to create the designs they desire. Each piece can become wearable art such as necklaces, bracelets and rings. “They are wearable and changeable, creating a sense of play emphasised by my choice of bright colours and foam sheet chosen for its softness and flexibility. The work transforms the viewers into designers and makers.”

JooYick, who came to New Zealand as a student from East Malaysia about five years ago and is now living in Pakuranga, says she is delighted with her decision to study at MSVA. “By the end of the first year, I found myself fascinated by the art of contemporary jewellery making, which is now my major. This is the best decision I have ever made.

“The atmosphere and environment within MIT has helped me tremendously in my studies. The lecturers, who are actively involved in the contemporary jewellery industry, offer constant help and support. The top-notch facilities and technical help are a bonus, especially when I don’t have a ready-made studio at home.”

Looking ahead, the aspiring jeweller plans to further develop her work through experimenting with diverse materials, which will involve different contemporary jewellery making techniques.

About MIT

Manukau Institute of Technology is one New Zealand’s largest polytechnics. It offers more than 100 formal programmes at degree, diploma and certificate level and has a student population of around 32,000. Established in 1970 as the country’s first purpose built polytechnic, MIT delivers vocational education and training. With a workforce of 900, MIT is one of the biggest employers in the Counties Manukau region. Manukau City is New Zealand’s fastest growing metropolis.

ENDS

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