We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Tina Winness about their original and creative Multifunction Pendant design work. Tina Winness is an award-winning fashion designer, that makes our world a better place with their original multifunction pendant works.
Tina Winness ("TW") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Tribute Wau Multifunction Pendant. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
TW : The Malaysian Wau is the traditional Malay culture kite, and one of the national symbols, that represent several shapes such as birds and the moon. Waus are handmade and can be upwards of 3.5 meters in length. When I was little, it was commonplace but as time passed, the tradition started to fade away. One day, my husband and I decided to travel to the state where the Master Kite maker resided, only to learn that he had sadly passed from this world. Therefore, I was inspired to honour the tradition by designing a piece that not only displays characteristics of the Wau, but also blend in Chinese culture aspects to represent the diverse cultures of Malaysia.
TW : I wanted the work to show the diversity of cultures in Malaysia, as well as to bring attention to our national symbol. In particular, I also wanted to bring aspects of the Wau into the design. The curved nephrite jade and gold filigree represent the vines in the motif of the Wau. The tails of Tribute Wau move with the wearer, making it seem as if it was soaring through the azure sky.
TW : I would like to bring Tribute Wau to more places around the globe to share our national symbol to more people.
TW : In total from concept to realization, and including travelling for research and production, it took about six months.
TW : I was very sad to learn that the tradition of Wau-making had virtually all but disappeared. I wanted to bring more attention to our national symbol and these thoughts moved both my heart and pencil.
TW : This is a new design not currently in use. I am looking to produce this design as well as other similar designs that are more accessible to the public, most likely by leasing.
TW : This was part of the process of learning more about the country I live in. I realised that although I was born and raised in Malaysia, I spent most of my time in cities and did not understand enough about our own culture.
TW : We travelled around Malaysia to learn in much greater detail about the kites, and thanks to them I was able to gain inspiration about the design.
TW : The target customer would be someone who appreciates cultures and symbols of Malaysia.
TW : While Tribute Wau is clearly a traditional Malaysian kite in shape, it blends Chinese culture through the use of non-traditional materials such as the nephrite jade centrepiece. In addition the reverse side of Tribute Wau employs fine filigree representing the vine motifs that is present in most kites. Tribute Wau can be appreciated from all angles.
TW : The name Tribute Wau pays homage to the traditional kite of Malaysia, as such it is a tribute, showing respect and admiration for an art that has been around for centuries.
TW : Apart from my usual hand drawing tools (color pencils, pencils etc.), and 3D software, there weren’t any unique tools used in this project.
TW : The nephrite jade centrepiece is a variation from the traditional cultural aspect which is unique. As well, the reverse side of Tribute Wau shows off another different aspect of the wau.
TW : Tribute Wau was entirely handmade. The nephrite jade was carved by a master carver in China as it was delicate and required specific skills.
TW : 3D software made it possible to quickly design organic shapes and rapidly prototype models which were then used to refine the design.
TW : Tribute Wau was mainly research focused. As traditional kites are a rarity in modern life, travel was necessary to the farther regions of Malaysia in order to get an up-close, detailed study of the kite’s construction, shapes, and designs. Several casual interviews (or more accurately, conversations) with the locals to the region yielded more historical information.
TW : The major challenge was getting the nephrite jade carved. We had to travel to China eventually in order to find a master carver skilled enough to take on the work. Even then, in the process, two pieces were unfortunately broken and we had to settle for a slight compromise in the carving.
TW : I wanted to show Tribute Wau, as a representation of our national symbol to as many people as possible. A’Design Award seemed to be ideal as it is the biggest international design competition.
TW : I gained valuable experience in collaborating internationally as well as learning new aspects about working with jade. In addition, communicating and working with jewellers from another country has been very enlightening.
TW : I think we’ve covered just about everything. We would like to welcome any visitors to Malaysia to have a hands-on experience in making waus as well as visit the International Kite Festival for a truly unique experience.
