From that moment an appreciation developed between Feng and the famous director James Bort. Together they created an enchanting film that takes us to a dreamland of high jewels, opera and ballet. It includes signature pieces with innovative settings and virtuosity. Let's take a journey to the ballet together.
Every moment of creativity has a spark of inspiration.
For the famous Chinese jewellery artist Feng J, this is for a special “Opéra de Paris” auction. It was organized by Opéra National de Paris, AROP (Friends of the Paris National Opera) and Sotheby's Paris in January 2023.
The event was planned to raise money for the Palais Garnier (also known as the Opéra Garnier), the French house of music and ballet, first built in the late 19th century by order of Emperor Napoleon III. Feng J donated a special piece for this good cause called ’Coeur Blanc“.
A piece of pure art crafted in her studio from white enamel, double pink and grey cut brilliance, purple grey and black spinels. This reflects her dynamic, avant garde style, combined with an original design of the unique piece.
In fact, her distinctive style is well recognized. Thus, in March 2022, one of her jewellery pieces - the “Feuille de Ginkgo” brooch - was accepted to join the permanent collection of the Musée des arts décoratifs in Paris. An event that made her the youngest jeweller to achieve this feat.
“For me, the Palais Garnier is a cultural monument because I am involved in artistic activities. Through this donation, I hope to show that there is a connection between creating a ballet and creating jewellery. It is a tribute to humanity,” said Feng J.
The story of the Opéra Garnier could have ended here, but a chance encounter led Feng down a different path. Through the auction event, Feng met the famous director James Bort. Bort has created wonderful commercials for the campaigns of Hermes, Piaget and Balmain, among others.
His wife, Dorothée Gilbert, is a principal ballet dancer at the highest level “Étoile” at the Paris Opera Ballet. Which means she has a unique sensitivity to the art of ballet and artistic performance.
Their conversations led them to an idea. To combine the world of jewellery and ballet in a short film starring the remarkable ballet dancers of the Paris Opera.
A few months later, the film took shape. Directed by Bort and featuring four incredible talents. The film is the story of Feng visiting the Palais Garnier and being transported into a dream with dancers appearing as magical illusions within the walls of the historic opera house.
In addition to the short film, commissions were also made for eight portraits of the elite dancers holding and wearing unique Feng J creations, including “Blooming Dragonfly Diva” and “Dragonfly Wearing Moonlight”.
The dragonfly is an important reference point for Feng J and a recurring theme in her jewellery. She describes the winged insect as a “natural dancer” because of the way it dives and flies through the air with such lightness. There are clear parallels with ballet dancers. Their graceful movements can sometimes seem to defy gravity!
She created two special pieces to interpret the body structure of ballet dancers in her own way.
The “Blooming Dragonfly Diva” in pink, inspired by the Première Danseuse, Bleuenn Battistoni. Even a more masculine blue version “A Dragonfly Wearing Moonlight”. He used Guillaume Diop, the first black man to reach the rank of Étoile in the history of the Paris Opera Ballet, as his original inspiration.
In terms of construction, “A Dragonfly Wearing Moonlight” did not begin with the traditional method of wax carving before casting. Feng created the piece as an artist sculptor.
Use titanium, copper and gold to create a frame in perfect harmony. Like individual dancers working together to create something beautiful. The piece is finished with powdered silver to evoke the glow of a lake under the night sky.
In both works, we can see Feng J's recognizable “Floating Set” technique.
It uses an ultra-light frame structure to make the double rose-cut gemstones appear to float in the air. The palette of hues of her gemstones is also remarkable. It resembles impressionist art, almost like a watercolor painting. This is why Feng J is described as possessing a ’ painterly style ” in fine jewelry.
However, these two creations are special for a different reason. They present a superior style and an innovation of the Feng J gemstone setting atelier: the “Standing Mounting”.
Especially in “Blooming Dragonfly Diva” we see gemstones that are not set flat. But rather arranged vertically and facing outwards at different angles.
These individual “standing” gems are arranged in cluster-like structures. As if myriad petals in pastel colors are blooming and growing in real time. Just like in the natural world.
The “Standing Mounting” innovation has the effect of adding volume and dimension to each piece without adding unnecessary weight. This is yet another example of how Feng J pushes the boundaries of high jewellery design. But at the same time maintains her romantic and quirky aesthetic.
I'm sure you'll agree that this is a beautiful feat of storytelling from Feng J, who has combined the worlds of ballet, jewellery and nature into something artistically exciting. So whether you're drawn to the stars of the Paris ballet, the double sapphires and spinels, or the sweeping cinematic talents of director James Bort, this is a chance to see unique jewellery in a new light.
Source: www.katerinaperez.com
