Design Students work with Perth Jeweller Alister Yiap

Year 12 Design students were fortunate to work alongside well-known local jewellery designer and artist Alister Yiap, at the second of their Design Encounter Days. Alister delivered a resin jewellery workshop for the students. The girls used specialised jewellery materials to create their own resin jewellery pieces.

It was a fantastic opportunity for the girls to work alongside a professional jewellery designer, gaining valuable insight into the career of a successful creative. Alister has exhibited nationally, designed sculptural mirrors for Crown Towers, was selected to create a ‘Key to the City’ for the City of Perth and currently lectures in Jewellery Design at Central TAFE.

We asked Alister about his career and passion for design.

Can you share a little about your journey as an artist and how you’ve come to be where you are today?
I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Jewellery Design) form Curtin University and have since expanded my practice to include fashion works, public art, fine jewellery and enjoy exploring new technologies in my work. I began lecturing at North Metropolitan TAFE shortly after graduation and have a passion for arts education and passing on knowledge, tips and techniques. 

What area of design do you enjoy working in most and why?
I enjoy all aspects of design, but it’s the design process which I get most excited about when you can understand the parameters and then apply research and knowledge to execute a successful final product. For this I love designing on two spectrums, fine jewellery which is so small and precise, and also large-scale public artworks.

Where do you find your inspiration?
Inspiration comes from all directions, but as a design artist based in Western Australia, I’m often drawn to a combination of themes around mineral wealth (gold, diamonds, pearls, mining of metals) and local ecology (wildflowers, Swan River, and waterways). My work has an angular and geometric feel, which is a strong signature of my design aesthetic and I often look to stylise these themes in line with my practice. 

You’ve worked with our girls quite a few times now, what do you enjoy most about the experience?
I enjoy sharing knowledge in manufacturing techniques and it’s always a delight to run workshops for interested and eager participants. Santa Maria girls are always a pleasure to work with and I always look forward to collaborating with the Art Department.  

What do you hope the girls will take away from your workshop today?
I hope the girls take away with them a new technique and a good base understanding in working with resin, which they can add to their tool kit. I hope to inspire and bring awareness to the art and craft of jewellery design. 

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