T
he ongoing evolution of Chinese artist Richard Wu is fueled by an insatiable curiosity. Beginning as a jade carver, he excelled in crafting intricately carved pieces in his studio in Suzhou while also learning as much as he could about the medium of fine jewelry. His profound interest in the artform eventually led him to Italy, where he studied under master artisans and skilled craftspeople. There, he apprenticed in all facets of the fabrication process, from goldsmithing to stone setting to wax carving to inlaying. After honing his acumen, in 2019 he launched his personal art jewelry brand, Wu Jewelry, through which he showcases a unique and singular aesthetic lexicon.
Musing, “Nothing is art if it does not come from Nature,” Richard views jewelry as a tangible and powerful expression of his worldview.
Image courtesy of Richard Wu
Richard’s pieces convey a duality of East and West. While many of his themes are specifically rooted in his Chinese heritage, his work conveys the exceptional metalwork of Italian masters. With pieces that are complex in their intricacy, he displays a gracefulness and fluidity in the studied lines and textures of his designs, and his intimate knowledge of the inherent properties of the precious metals with which he works allows him to create sophisticated pieces that are as avant-garde as they are elegant.
Image courtesy of Richard Wu
Musing, “Nothing is art if it does not come from Nature,” Richard views jewelry as a tangible and powerful expression of his worldview. He strives to reinterpret classic, Oriental design that expresses cultural influences in pieces that are ripe with history while also evoking a contemporary sensibility.
Image courtesy of Richard Wu
Working in a daring combination of titanium and gold, through his approach to the fabrication process coupled with his design motifs, Richard creates a narrative about the human experience, with statements that are both subtle and overt.
Image courtesy of Richard Wu
In 2024, Richard wowed the community with his Black Veil Mask, which took home People’s Choice at the COUTURE Design Awards. Meticulously detailed, the breathtaking piece is crafted in titanium and white gold with diamonds, and is illustrative of our generation’s lack of, and need for, privacy and quiet in a chaotic world. Comprised of a finely chiseled pattern mimicking the veins of leaves, the Black Veil Mask provides a transparent layer between wearer and world, serving as a beautifully bespoke armor of protection in a modern environment.
Image courtesy of Richard Wu
Image courtesy of Richard Wu
Image courtesy of Richard Wu
Image courtesy of Richard Wu
Image courtesy of Richard Wu
Image courtesy of Richard Wu
Image courtesy of Richard Wu
Image courtesy of Richard Wu
Image courtesy of Richard Wu
Image courtesy of Richard Wu
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