Hong Kong high jeweller Wallace Chan unveils latest photo book

Following the exhibition at international leading art fair Masterpiece London and a full-house talk at the Victoria & Albert Museum, renowned jewellery artist Wallace Chan came back to Hong Kong for a conversation session with specially invited guest Dr Emily Banis Stoehrer, curator of Jewelry at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, at the Hong Kong Book Fair 2016.

During the talk, Chan revealed his long way to success from starting as a carving apprentice, establishing his own gemstone carving workshop at the age of 17 to inventing new techniques such as the renowned Wallace Cut and the manipulation of titanium. He also shared the inspiration, philosophy and unique craftsmanship behind his creativity and innovation, bringing the audience into his artistic world.

The talk was followed by a book signing of his first limited-edition illustrated monograph “Dream Light Water”. Meanwhile, a special 30-piece-only collector’s edition of the monograph, “Child at Heart: Dream Light Water”, was on display at the Hong Kong Book Fair, which marked the first public appearance of the gemstone-embellished sculptural edition in Asia.

We sat down with Dr Stoehrer to analyse the creations of the jewellery expert.

Q. How would you describe Wallace Chan’s jewellery work?

A. I think his work is so unlike anything else. I think it is the contradiction – it is very painterly and narrative but it is also really bold and avant-garde. He is able to play with materials and create pieces that are  large but very lightweight and wearable.