Artist Series: Meet Angela Yeung

Angela Yeung is an award-winning jewellery designer. She is the business woman behind the bespoke jewellery brand, Impilo Collection which specialises in the design and manufacture of both high-end and contemporary art jewellery collections exhibited locally and internationally.

She participated in the Kilimanjaro climb in 2018 and 2019 with Trek4Mandela Expedition and Caring4Girls to raise funds for sanitary pads for her hometown in Free State and the City of Ekurhuleni.

Angela is also the First Asian female executive member of the exclusive Diamond Dealers Club, and is the head of Corporate Social Responsibility.

Angela will be one of the artists featured in the ORIENTation: The diaspora of East Asian identities in South Africa exhibition taking place in Johannesburg later this year.

Read more about why Angela, when and why she became an artist and what inspires her.

"Be aware that each one of us has our own personal diamond within – each person is unique and has the potential to add their own special value to the society. Be proud of who you are and where you have come from." ~ Angela Yeung

Where were you born? Where do you live now?

Hong Kong and living in Johannesburg now.

When did you become an artist? What is your speciality?

As a child I always loved beautiful and colourful adornments, I would put on rubber and plastic bangles around my wrists / arm and dream of the day when I could create my own real diamond and gold jewellery.

What art training/studying did you have or were you self-taught?

I studied through the Gemmology Institute of America to complete the Graduate Diamond Program and Accredited Jeweller Professional Diploma.

Why did you become an artist?

I called my brand “Impilo" it means “Life” in isiZulu and each “Life” story that is unique, and each piece of jewellery is a personal piece of art. It does not just tell a story, it tells your story. Your personal journey is beautifully captured in a design that is as unique as you are. Itadorns you, decorates your life and speaks of those special moments in your life. I’m a creator of that story and the artist behind the story.

What inspires you as an artist? Are there any artists that you admire?

My inspiration as an artist came from the connection with each individual person. Nature and celestial bodies impacted my art pieces. Each exhibition had been a celebration of my life. I admire the late fashion designer, Alexander McQueen. I admired how fearlessly he challenged the conventions of fashion. His creativity was expressed through the technical artistry of his designs.

Please tell us about your art, for the upcoming exhibition? What do you hope to achieve through your artwork?

My upcoming exhibition is called “AMRITA” is a word in sanskrit that means 'immortality' and is often referred to in texts as nectar. My values incapsulate the essence of life itself, with good overcoming suffering.

Asian belief in the power encapsulated in pearls have elements similar to the African belief in the power of the ancestors. Pearls can become part of the life blood of Africa. Pearls, with their luminosity and vibrant life, have their own lifeforce. Amrita and embody the medicinal transition from the poisons of life to healing. When you enter into my “Amrita” jewellery, you will be moving into a world of healing – from the challenges of life to the ultimate tranquility of the luminosity of the pearl lifeblood, with connections between your heart and your head.

This jewellery collection is an extention of my winning AngloGold Ashanti headpiece called “Connect” by adding pearls with their essential “Amrita” into the mind. I invite you to enlighten yourself with your heart, your body and your mind and to surround yourself with “Amrita”.

Why do you think that this exhibition is so important?

I believe this exhibition is important because it give “HOPE” to each one of our audience, no matter where we all come from and what your roots are. We are able to overcome and transcend any obstacles and suffering. The COVID-19 pandemic has spawned fear, dread and hopelessness throughout the world yet even in darkness times there is hope for a better life, so Amrita is an essential message immortality and highlights good winning over evil.

What advice would you give to young aspiring artists in South Africa?

Be aware that each one of us has our own personal diamond within – each person is unique and has the potential to add their own special value to the society. Be proud of who you are and where you have come from.