Danielle Shum
she/her
Bloomington, IN, USA
Danielle Shum is a senior graduating with a BFA in Metalsmithing + Jewelry Design at Indiana University. Her artwork has been showcased at local and national exhibitions including the Metal Museum in Memphis, Tennessee.
“As a queer Asian American, I often feel like a stranger in my own body. The feeling of foreignness extends to my surroundings and culture. I utilize transformative metalsmithing techniques and enamelwork to explore clashing cultural narratives and body dysmorphia. Through manifesting vulnerabilities and conflict into adornment created from precious and fragile materials, I highlight my struggles with connect with my heritage and identity. My studio work invites reflection on the painful yet necessary journey to accepting our vulnerabilities.”
What does being queer mean to you in relation to your material choices? Is it something you consider?
“I think that my queer identity and feelings of body dysmorphia inspire me to use transformative techniques and materials. I use precious metals, stones, and fragile glass enamel to adorn the body and elevate the subject matter, such as a vulnerability and perceived flaw."
Is the work queer because the maker is queer, or is it queer because the subject matter is queer?
“I feel as if it is important to recognize that our works can be influenced by identity, even if we did not intend to discuss queer identities. I am always finding new connections between my artwork and my identity."
"The Hungry Cormorant", Sterling silver, fine silver, cubic zirconia, enamel, steel, 3" x 2.8" x .3", 2023Anything else you would like to share about this work? This can be an important part of the process, sourcing materials, or research.
“This artwork is inspired by the Chinese cultural tradition of cormorant fishing. It involves tying a string around a cormorant's neck and forcing it to catch fish for fishermen and tourists. This work highlights one's feelings of being restrained and trapped, which I sometimes experience when I think about unbelonging and otherness."