ASTERISK

APOC STORE EXCLUSIVE OMYO NECKLACE

1. Introduce Yourself to the Casawi Community: What drives you? What's your artistic vision, and what sets you apart from the crowd?

Hi Casawi, my chosen name is Zan Hyang Song, and I am originally from Seoul, South Korea. I spent my childhood in Howald, Luxembourg, and Hürth, Germany, and I am currently based in Berlin, Germany.

I began studying integrated design in 2020 for 1-2 semesters in Bremen, Germany. However, studying during the COVID-19 pandemic didn't feel right to me, and the school wasn't the right fit. Consequently, I dropped out of university with my partner and moved to Berlin in 2022 without any concrete plans. Asterisk is my handmade independent jewelry project, which started right after I moved to Berlin in 2022. It began in a small living room in a sublet while we were still looking for a permanent place to live. Previously, I worked as a photographer for a while, but I discovered a new medium through which I could express myself better. Making jewelry started as a COVID hobby, providing fulfillment during lonely times in Berlin. My jewelry is inspired by my exploration of identity, fluidity, and the natural shapes of plants and creatures, as well as their interactions with each other. The process of making jewelry by hand serves as a form of meditation and inner healing for me, and the organic shapes of my pieces reflect my unconsciousness and inner state of mind. Drawing inspiration from nature and organic forms, I reshape them into my jewelry, aiming for a blend of ancient charm and a touch of the futuristic.

2. City Inspirations: How has your city influenced your artistic path? Share how its streets, culture, and energy have molded your work.

My work is quite detached from the place where I live. My inspiration comes more from within. My jewelry journey began at a Time when I was extremely antisocial, depressed, and lonely. I snuck into a cave and was very unaware of my surroundings. I barely left my home studio when I first started, so I didn’t have the chance to really experience the city. I was solely focused on making jewelry since I had nothing else to do or felt like doing something else. It was my coping mechanism, my form of self- therapy, I guess. Aside from that, many people perceive my work as very "Berlin" since the rave/techno culture is quite prominent here. They often connect my work with a "neo-tribal aesthetic" that is inspired by that culture, which I personally feel disconnected from since I don’t really enjoy clubbing or partying. However, I understand where that perception comes from, considering the shapes, etc.

3. Creative Process: What fuels your creativity? Whether it's a ritual, a muse, or a moment of clarity, we're keen to learn.

My approach to each piece is to bypass sketches and external influences, instead tapping into my unconscious for creativity. Once all the pieces are completed, I name the collection and reflect on the driving forces behind its creaTon, which differs from the usual process. For example, the collection name 'OMYO' emerged unexpectedly when my mother admired a necklace, describing it with this resonant word. Though 'OMYO' lacks a direct Korean translation, it embodies profundity and mystery. Upon viewing the entire collection, I realized that the core motif is the spiral, echoing nature's paVerns and cosmic mysteries. Inspired by land artists, I infused this symbolism into my jewelry designs, aiming to create dynamic pieces with timeless significance. The spiral, ancient and universal, appears in native American petroglyphs and whale patterns, reflecting the infinite enigma of the cosmos. Through the OMYO mini collection, I aim to capture this profound symbolism, inviting wearers to embark on a journey of discovery and contemplation with each piece. My design language evolved as I continued to create tirelessly, regardless of whether I felt satisfied with each piece. While I tend to overthink things on a daily basis, I find that when it comes to creative output, I simply go with the flow and enjoy the process. Concepts and shapes naturally develop as I work on the pieces. Although my previous work was boldly maximalistic, I'm gradually shifting towards emphasizing details and exploring more flowy and swirly shapes instead of rough and sharp ones. Perhaps there has been a change in my inner state. While I still love creating big expressive pieces, I now feel drawn to crafting pieces for daily wear which I also want to wear myself. Another aspect that impacted my artistic growth was the rise in popularity of a specific technique: utilizing soft metals with a soldering iron. At first, I felt a bit disheartened by the growing number of people embracing this technique, concerned it might result in a flood of generic pieces lacking individuality and innovation. Looking back, it was foolish of me to think this way. However, I've since seen the brighter side of this trend. The trend of this style of jewelry-making has made the craft more inclusive and has inspired more people to delve into their creative side. I've come to understand that each person will carve out their own distinctive design style as they embark on their creative journey.

4. City Lifestyle and Art: What characterizes clubbing and lifestyle in your city? How does your environment intersect with your art?

Berlin's vibrant cultural scene plays a significant role in shaping my artistic journey. While my creative process originates internally, the city's dynamic atmosphere subtly impacts my work. Immersed in Berlin's diverse mix of subcultures and underground movements, I draw inspiration from its eclectic energy. Although I initially felt disconnected from the clubbing and party culture, elements of Berlin's techno scene find expression in the fluid lines and organic forms of my jewelry, often associated with a "neo-tribal aesthetic." Furthermore, Berlin's creative melting pot, from gritty urban landscapes to tranquil green spaces, offers endless inspiration. Whether exploring art galleries or wandering through the city's street art scene, I'm continually inspired by Berlin's creativity. Ultimately, while my jewelry extends beyond the city's physical boundaries, its essence remains intertwined with Berlin's influence, giving my designs a unique flair in the world of jewelry design.

5. Latest or Upcoming Projects: Give us a glimpse into your current endeavors and what lies ahead on your creative journey.

Since I've primarily crafted classical jewelry pieces like necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, and ear cuffs, I'm eager to delve deeper into metalsmithing and explore beyond conventional wearable body adornments. While I have plenty of plans for the future and ongoing projects, I'll share them when the time is right!