Kai Sia is an entrepreneur, executive, and the co-director of Mindy Lam Jewelry, a luxury, high-end couture accessory brand based in the Washington, D.C. area. Working closely alongside her mother, the celebrated Chinese-American jewelry artist Mindy Lam, Sia has been an integral part of the brand’s identity, growth, and survival.
Kelly (Kai) Sia
(languages: Cantonese, English)
Age 21, born in Virginia, Kai spent her younger years living with her grandparents and family in the Hong Kong countryside. It is through this strong sense of family and her Chinese heritage that nurtured an appreciation of nature that developed the notions that inform Kai as an emerging artist today. She now lives in the DC area. Her main focus for her residency was Lost Wax Casting.
As part of her residency, SilverWorks arranged an immersive experience at a local apiary.
I chose the chrysanthemum as an icon because it is an introduction to my heritage and to me as an individual. I think it is the most delicate and difficult flower to sculpt. I carved each petal by hand so each is unique, as in nature. Like the bees, I do not shy away from challenges or hard work. I do not mind exhausting myself when I know the efforts are worth it. I gave the chrysanthemums both grim and optimistic titles to show the seriousness of the situation, as well as the possibility for change.
The choice of the flower really doesn’t matter for the message that I wish to convey. What is happening to the bees is not only tied to all plants. It is tied to all of us and the world’s condition because bees sustain the food supply. One third of everything we eat depends on pollination. The reduction of the number of bees is alarming. We need to acknowledge the problem so we can address it. And there are things we can do.
Resident Updates
Kai Sia interview
•
A great article.
There's a great article about Kai and her mom on the University of Maryland Medical Center website.
Article in District Fray magazine
Check out the article about Kai and her mother Mindy and Mindy Lam Jewelry.