Joanne Tan creates jewelry pieces that are unique and thought provoking. Her work has a strong message behind it. Will it catch on? Only time will tell. Are you bold enough to embrace this style and the message? Let us take a closer look at the jewelry of the innovative Joanne Tan.
The Artist
Joanne Tan is from the Malaysian city that is the Royal Town of Klang. Joanne T., as she goes by professionally, is a graduate of the Central Saint Martins School of Design in London, England. She moved to London at the age of 17 to study art. Before that time she studied science in her home country. She explains that, “My science background influences and inspires most of my work. I’m interested in conveying and interpreting scientific images/information in an aesthetic form.”
After her time in London, and upon completing her studies at Central Saint Martins School of Design, she moved to Italy to continue her jewelry studies. There she developed her skills in stone setting. She plans to continue to learn different composition techniques so that she can continue to develop her designs using her original ideas.
Her Current Work
“Not Your Average Beauty” is the name of Joanne Tan’s collection of jewelry. The collection of handmade facial ornaments takes a cue from tribal jewelry that many would consider unexpected and “radical”. Her jewelry ranges from nose cuffs to clips and facial frames. The pieces in “Not Your Average Beauty” use 18 carat yellow gold. The jewelry pieces in the collection are enhanced with diamonds and pearls.
Each uniquely designed piece is made by hand and intends to fit various facial structures. The jewelry pieces are scaled accordingly to fit the anatomical features of both Asian and Western faces. Thin gold wire frames are used to highlight the wearer’s delicate, natural lines and features. The designer uses diamonds and pearls to add a dramatic touch to the pieces. The elaborate touch is intended to draw attention to imperfect attributes, which in the artist’s opinion is empowering.
The Meaning
Joanne Tan’s collection, “Not Your Average Beauty”, aims to combat the media and the public’s standard for beauty. She also is making a comment on the modern day obsession with plastic surgery. This type of procedure is becoming increasingly common in Malaysia, her home place. The design of her pieces allow the wearer to customize their facial appearance as they choose. The design empowers wearers to enhance and amplify their natural features rather than modify them.
“Not Your Average Beauty” Collection aims to raise awareness of the current beauty standards by offering an alternative to women. This unique jewelry collection celebrates individuality and enhances existing imperfections. The challenge for the wearer is to face their insecurities. They should embrace their flaws with jewelry. Joanne Tan is arguing through her art that rather than changing a dissatisfying facial feature with plastic surgery one should embrace it and highlight it with “Not Your Average Beauty.”
The Artist’s Perspective
The artist imagines that her collection appeals to a very specific audience. Aficionados of facial jewelry will enjoy this line, as will those who appreciate avant-garde designs. She hopes that her pieces will become a design classic and not just a fad. This is her idea of a piece of jewelry that is a design classic: “I think classic jewellery is a piece with minimal design yet it conveys a strong background story or idea. Besides, it could be worn comfortably throughout our daily life. I also think that it is important the piece is well crafted to increase the durability of the piece.”
Are you eager to embrace the parts of your face that make you uncomfortable? Would you want to highlight them with beautiful jewelry? Joanne Tan makes a compelling argument. Her jewelry pieces are unique and certainly eye catching. For more inspiring jewelry trends, enjoy our article about the big, bold luxury of Panthere de Cartier Jewelry Design.
