Whose Canvas: Tricia Kim

Tricia Kim honed her passion for design in New York before moving to Paris to explore the genres of painting and sculpting. After a successful career as an exclusive designer for John Hardy in Bali, the Korean-American jeweler started her own empire in 2000 with Nagicia. Meaning ‘dragon’, her jewelry collections revolve around the beauty of nature, gemstones and their inherent healing powers that lay within the sources.
Tell us about yourself.
I was born in Seoul, grew up in New York and educated in New York, Paris and California. I have been living in Bali since 1997 when I came to work for John Hardy. Nagicia was established in 2001.
What sparked your passion for jewelry?
My main interests are art, sculpture and fashion which came together when I lived in San Francisco. I started by selling handmade jewelry with tumbled glass, wire, hardware and low solder on the streets and to craft galleries.
How would you describe your designs?
It’s completely nature inspired, with utmost attention to fine craftsmanship.
How does living in Bali influence your design style?
Everywhere you look in Bali, there is something of natural or cultural influence. Beauty abounds.
What are your favorite materials to work with, and what draws you to those particular materials?
I like to mix unusual materials and colors. Silver of course is the most malleable and a precious metal now. I combine this with precious and semi-precious stones and crystals, as well as resin with bright colors.
Tell us about your exhibited creations, what inspired it, and what made it so special?
I have been wanting to work more on one-of-a-kind covetable heirloom pieces. The pieces exhibited at Taksu Bali represent the continuation of my Root & Jalak themes, featuring unique carvings and pave settings.