In the Space Between: A Conversation on Jewelry, Process, and Presence
Jaeseob Shin is a 2026–2027 One for the Future honoree and a contemporary jewelry artist based in South Korea. After completing his Master’s degree in Metal Craft & Design at SeoulTech in 2023, he continued at the same university as a PhD candidate, where his research explores the intersection of contemporary jewelry and philosophical thought.
Shin works primarily with the form of the ring and grounds his practice in what he calls “in-betweenness,” the shifting space between functional objects and non-functional artworks. His work resists fixed categories, using ambiguity to open new ways of seeing, thinking, and experiencing jewelry beyond its traditional definitions.
In-Between Practice
NYCJW: To start, how would you introduce yourself and your work to someone meeting you for the first time?
JS: I research the in-between areas of opposing concepts. I prefer to create new perspectives through the possibilities of ambiguity within these in-between areas. As a jewelry designer, I create my rings in a form between use and non-use.
Shelved Idea
NYCJW: Is there an idea or project you’ve had to put aside for now? What was it, and what made it difficult to move forward with at the time?
JS: I planned to create ‘figure-style rings’ by placing miniature metal sculptures of famous characters on top of rings. I wanted to visually express the synergy created when the wearability of a ring and the object-like characteristics of a figure are brought into a single domain. I really wanted to pursue this, but I couldn’t overcome the barrier of copyright issues.
A Different Form
NYCJW: If your work had to exist in a completely different form, what would you choose?
JS: When I look at three-dimensional works, I start thinking about their side views, back views, and information on how they were made three-dimensionally. This habit often gives me quite a bit of fatigue. Therefore, I wish my work existed as a medium-sized flat painting on a white wall in a well-lit exhibition space. Sometimes, I want to gaze at my work peacefully and comfortably.
Beliefs & Doubts
NYCJW: Is there something people in your field tend to believe or say that you don’t fully agree with?
JS: When I try to attempt something, I dislike the pessimistic attitude of bringing up examples of other artists and saying, ‘As an artist, you should do something creative; this person has already done what you are trying to do.’ Even with the same line, the meaning of that sentence can change depending on which actor performs it. I believe in this quite strongly.
NYCJW: Can you think of a recent moment when you felt unsure about your work or direction?
JS: I am sure I had doubts, but now I don’t remember them well. I just kept making, and now only excitement remains.
Character, Action, Encounter
NYCJW: If you could make a piece for a fictional character or a historical figure, who would it be? What kind of work would you imagine for them?
JS: The moment I heard this question, Severus Snape from Harry Potter came to mind. There is a scene where Snape shows Dumbledore his Patronus, a silver doe, and when asked if he still loves Lily, he simply replies, ‘Always.’ That scene drives me crazy; no romance movie or novel can surpass it. This feeling isn’t pity or support for his love; it is pure respect. For Snape, I would create a piece using only a single material to represent the purest and most solid state, completely free from any decoration or hidden intent.
NYCJW: What’s been unexpectedly influencing your thinking or making lately?
JS: Don’t think, just do. This phrase is the very source of my inspiration. I used to be a chronic overthinker, to the point where I would even make plans for making plans. If it weren’t for this mindset, I wouldn’t have been selected for OFTF, and I would probably still be caught in the cycle of planning at this very moment. Ultimately, I draw my inspiration from the act of ‘doing’ itself.
NYCJW: When someone encounters your work, how do you hope they respond?
JS: I hope people enjoy my work with a light heart, simply thinking, ‘Oh, so something like this exists.’ I create my pieces with that same mindset, and I believe that is where the audience and I will truly connect.
Time and Effort
NYCJW: Is there a question you wish people would ask you more often about your work?
JS: To be honest, the question I wish more people would ask is, ‘How long did it take to make this?’ I love hearing this because it makes me feel like my effort is being recognized in its purest form. My answer to that is always the same: “A very long time”.
Recurring Forms
NYCJW: Looking at your work overall, are there any ideas, shapes, or themes that keep coming back again and again?
JS: Basic geometric shapes—circles, squares, and triangles—naturally appear in most of my work. I believe this reflects my personality, as I enjoy building stories by branching out from the most fundamental elements.
About One for the Future (OFTF)
One for the Future celebrates the next generation of jewelry and creative industry professionals. Each year, the program recognizes honorees for their innovation, craftsmanship, and/or unique perspectives. It also provides them with opportunities for mentorship, exposure, and connections with collectors and industry leaders worldwide.
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