ABOUT JIN
Jean Jinsil Cho was born in Seoul, South Korea. She earned her B.A. in Metal Art & Design from Seoul National University of Science and Technology and her M.F.A. in Metal Design from Hongik University.
Her work has been featured in numerous group exhibitions and craft shows across South Korea and the United States. As a jewelry artist, she shows nationally at juried exhibitions such as the Smithsonian Craft Show, American Craft Council’s show, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show.
Jean has received several accolades for her work, including the Ornament Magazine Award of Excellence in Jewelry at the 2002 Washington Craft Show, the Achievement Award at the 2004 American Craft Council Show in San Francisco, and the Excellence in Jewelry Award at the 2026 Smithsonian Craft Show.
ARTIST STATEMENT
My work communicates the quiet inner strength and delicate complexity of humans by exploring layers of raw emotions and resilience. I admire this strength within people, the ability to face challenges without losing our essence, and the perseverance we hold beside our dreams.
My practice is inspired by my own personal stories. My pieces trace the growth and transformation in my own life: slow, quiet nurturing of strength that has gradually greeted me through time, failure and repetition. My work consists of delicate and precise line work that expresses movement, energy and hope.
I use po mok sang guem, a traditional Korean art of metal inlay, also known as “Ipsa” which involves hammering hair-thin threads of silver and gold into intricately carved grooves on steel to create patterns. The hardened exterior against the contrasting radiant lines convey the precious act of flourishing growth.
Through my art, I invite viewers to step into this world, to reflect on their own journeys and to dream of new perspectives and opportunities.