Shrimps Earrings

The form and texture of a shrimp inspired this design. I used the transparency of organza to express its delicate structure in a poetic and wearable form.

I aimed to create a form that is both light and impactful. My goal was to achieve a sculptural beauty that harmonizes with the body and brings a sense of joy when worn.

I plan to create derivative pieces that apply the same structure. I also aim to present this series in international galleries and art spaces.

In all of my work, I explore embroidery not as a flat surface, but as a three-dimensional structure. The Shrimps Earrings are a continuation of this philosophy—an attempt to create presence and volume in space using textiles and thread.For this piece, I introduced the element of folding to achieve both lightness and structure. I was particularly inspired by the logic of origami, which is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. The segmented and curved body of a shrimp naturally lent itself to an origami-like interpretation. I repeatedly prototyped forms with paper, seeking the most natural and expressive silhouette through trial and error.My background in fashion, especially in working with textiles and form, has informed my approach to shaping flexible materials. The way fabric reacts to tension and the subtle balance between stiffness and softness were crucial in developing the shrimp's form. In many ways, this piece embodies my ongoing pursuit of structural expression in embroidery—merging the organic beauty of nature with the intentionality of handcraft.

One of the central challenges in creating the Shrimps Earrings was achieving a delicate balance between air-like lightness and the durability required for wearable jewelry. Working with fragile materials such as organza and rayon thread demanded a thoughtful approach to structural integrity.I began by introducing folds into the fabric, allowing the natural tension of the material to create volume and form. More importantly, I carefully calculated the placement and density of embroidery stitches—not simply as decorative elements, but as integral reinforcements that would give the piece its internal “skeleton.” In this design, embroidery itself becomes a structural component, contributing to the overall strength of the form.To prevent deformation after wear, I also incorporated subtle reinforcement stitches and backing materials, hidden from view, down to the millimeter. These elements ensure that the shape remains stable over time, without compromising the visual lightness of the design.Through this process, I was able to create a structure that is both extremely lightweight and strong enough for repeated use. Beneath the delicate and ephemeral appearance lies a precisely calculated framework—an invisible layer of engineering that gives the piece its quiet resilience.

The color palette of the Shrimps Earrings was inspired by the layered and shifting hues found in marine life. Underwater creatures often appear translucent, and their colors change subtly depending on light refraction and movement. I wanted to express that same sense of fragility and life through a gentle gradation, rather than using a single flat color.I worked with pre-dyed gradient rayon threads, but the placement of each color transition was carefully considered. The way the hues shifted depended on the direction of the stitching and how the thread interacted with the surrounding materials. While there is some degree of unpredictability in how the color will appear once stitched, I used that element of chance intentionally, guiding the embroidery to create a visual flow across the surface.To achieve a natural transition of color, I approached embroidery not as a line-based technique, but as a painterly, surface-building process—layering stitches like brushstrokes to create blurred edges and soft shifts in tone. My goal was to evoke the feeling of light shimmering through water or the iridescence of living organisms.This subtle yet complex use of color plays a key role in giving the Shrimps Earrings their sense of vitality and poetic presence.