In 2017, I had the opportunity to collaborate with one of Hong Kong’s leading jewelry brands, Chow Sang Sang. Founded in 1934, this brand is known for its innovative techniques in diamond craftsmanship and its commitment to precision. Their “Infini Love Diamond” collection represents the culmination of these values, focusing on perfection in every piece, from raw diamonds to the finished product.
For me, it was an opportunity to present my work in miniature sculptures in a new context and contribute to a campaign that celebrates both precision and craftsmanship. My work is often inspired by my surroundings, and through miniature sculptures, I aim to capture the essence of everyday details in a way that inspires awe for their precision and beauty. This collaboration was not just about creating a single piece of art, but about merging the world of miniature sculptures with the high standards of a luxury brand. It allowed me to explore the intersection of art and craftsmanship in a way that felt natural yet challenging.
The Art of Motion
The chosen theme for the sculpture was a train, designed to extend across the entire surface of the pencil. This task presented its unique challenges, as motifs like trains, which are clearly defined by their appearance, require meticulous attention to detail. Every component of the train, from the carriages to the tracks, had to be precisely shaped to ensure that the sculpture remained authentic and proportional on such a small surface.
One particular challenge was freeing the graphite in the center of the pencil without damaging the surface. Each millimeter of working space is precious, and every cut must be precise to preserve the perfect area for carving. In the middle of the pencil, I decided to carve a tunnel to create the illusion of the train passing through, adding a sense of motion and dynamism to an otherwise static sculpture. This idea of adding movement through the tunnel symbolized the fluidity and continuity of the creative process.
Behind the Craft
Our collaboration, in addition to creating the sculpture, involved the production of a video for the “Infini Love Diamond” campaign. The video aimed to capture the process of sculpting, from selecting the motif and sketching, to the final stages of carving. The significance of this project is reflected in the fact that a team of more than 10 people traveled from Hong Kong, covering over 8,000 kilometers, to ensure that the project was completed.
The video not only documented the process of creating the sculpture but also served as a visual narrative of the values shared between my artistic approach and how Chow Sang Sang approaches their craft—precision, attention to detail, and the transformation of raw materials into something meaningful. What makes this collaboration even more significant is the fact that I am one of a small number of artists worldwide who create sculptures on pencil lead, making my skill rare and unique. The video captured my process, focusing on the technical precision and challenges that come with working in graphite, a material that demands both skill and patience. It was an opportunity to showcase the essence of my craft and how I approach each new project, with maximum attention to every detail.
Two Sides of Carbon
The “Infini Love Diamond” campaign focused on precision and expertise in diamond craftsmanship. Ronald Daems, with over 40 years of experience in diamond cutting, leads the process of creating each diamond in the collection, ensuring that every stone has 57 perfectly balanced facets to maximize its light-catching potential. Every diamond in this collection goes through hundreds of carefully executed steps, from selecting the raw stone to the final polishing. Similarly, in my work, it is essential to carefully choose the right pencil for the task, and the motif must be adapted to the shape of the graphite to ensure the sculpture is technically feasible and aesthetically pleasing.
Although diamonds and graphite appear to be two entirely different materials, they are essentially the same, both composed of carbon but with different crystalline structures. This shared foundation enabled an interesting connection in this collaboration—while the diamond is known for its strength and durability, graphite stands out for its fragility and the delicate work it requires. Both materials demand a high level of skill and precision to unlock their full potential, emphasizing how attention to detail can transform one element into something entirely different.
Art Beyond Boundaries
This project not only showcased the technical aspects of my work but also opened the door to further integration of miniature sculptures into various industries. Pencil sculptures, though small, offer wide-ranging applications—from luxury brands to activist campaigns and technological innovations. Every project offers new challenges and opportunities to rethink how this technique can be applied. Whether it’s a luxury jewelry collection or raising awareness for social causes, the versatility of pencil sculptures continues to surprise me.
This collaboration with Chow Sang Sang highlighted that, with the right idea, seemingly unrelated worlds can successfully come together, creating new opportunities for creative interpretation. Pencil art thus becomes a universal medium that transcends its dimensions, communicating across various spheres and industries.