Som was introduced to silversmithing at Sydney’s College of Fine Arts in the early 2000s. At that time, he really wanted to become a jeweller, but his working class father and his internalised working class voice said ‘No’.
However he kept practising his craft for over 20 years and is now ready to show his work to the world. Som enjoys the process of creating beautiful jewellery; every cut, every solder, every file mark is done with an awareness of and respect for the part it plays in forming each hand-made piece.
His current interest is in creating jewellery that reflects his Buddhist practice and his exploration of his South-East Asian heritage – pieces that are imbued with a spiritual quality as well as being playful and enjoyable to wear.
Part kidult and part old sage, Som cannot help but question, wonder, philosophise and see the humour in the world around him.
For Som, jewellery making is more than just an art practice. It’s also about reclaiming and honouring the creativity he once pushed aside. Som delights in the fact that his hand made precious objects will outlast him. Objects that are his ideas, philosophies and values made solid.
Finally, he is coming to understand why his father said what he said about being a jeweller and an artist and is finding a balance between practicality, creativity, spirituality and fun.
