Birthstone Guardians - Kola Huang

MA Illustration, camberwell College of Arts 
 
Ceramic/wood stamp/Positfilm
 
Birthstone Guardians -
Hand built ceramic sculptures with glaze
Total 12 pieces: £4,440 for full set
(see individual pricing and details below) 
 
Main picture:  December Turquoise: 6.2×8.4×20.4 cm £580 (Egyptian)
 
- January Garnet:  5.5×2.5×10cm £180 (twins)
- February Amethyst: 10.4×5.5×7.6 cm £220 (snail)
- March Aquamarine: 8×4.5×10 cm £260 (mermaid)
- April Diamond: 10.5 ×6.5×7 cm, 7×1.5×1.5 cm £360 (elephant & orb)
- May Emerald: 9.5×9.5×6 cm £220 (twin fish)
- June Pearl: 10×7.8×9.5 cm £320 (pearl and beast)
- July Ruby: 7.5×8.6×19.8 cm £620 (Asian god)
- August Peridot: 11×5×10 cm, 11×9×3.5 cm £420 (white dog)
- September Sapphire: 19.5×16×9 cm £480 (sapphire crown)
- October Opal: 8×16×9 cm £260 (yellow figure)
- November Topaz: 11×4×18 cm £520 (terracotta warrior)
- December Turquoise: 6.2×8.4×20.4 cm £580 (Egyptian)
 
Inspired by the beautiful yet untouchable birthstones behind glass at the Natural History Museum, I began questioning why we assign value to materials and how that creates distance. Researching the histories, myths, and protective symbolism of the twelve birthstones across cultures, I sought to redefine "precious."
 
Through a diverse creative process, I developed hand-drawn illustrations, ceramic pieces, and wooden stamps featuring microscopic gemstone structures paired with zodiac handles. I also experimented with material transformation by encasing cut Haribo gummies in resin to form shimmering, candy-like gems. Ultimately, these works culminate in my own mineral museum—a playful, touchable space where I define what is truly precious.