10 Questions with Qianying Zhu

Qianying Zhu is a Chinese jewelry designer. She received an MFA from the Cranbrook Academy of Art in 202 and a BFA from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2021. 

Qianying studied and trained herself as a jewelry designer and focuses on artistic jewelry and self-express. She enjoys observing the characteristics of different things and then expressing them through painting, jewelry, and other forms of artwork. 

She likes combining different materials together to achieve a sense of harmony and balance, and she is willing to work with various materials and practice many times to identify the topics. 

Qianying includes various casting methodologies in her works. This dynamic process, ranging from scorching intensity to icy serenity, gives rise to numerous vibrant and animate forms.

She has been committed to innovating traditional cultural elements while incorporating emerging materials and technologies into traditional jewelry forms. She believes that every piece of contemporary jewelry carries the distinct characteristics of its time, and this is what she has always been pursuing and expressing.

Qianying believes that arts can change one’s life. She devotes herself to creating unique works that could show personal views and style, and she learns a basic understanding of life, whole, and individual, from the art creation.

www.qyzhu-jewelry.com | @qyz_zhu

ARTIST STATEMENT

To Qianying, art is a journey to understand both the simple and complex aspects of life. She reflects on life by observing the mundane and the extraordinary, drawing joy and inspiration from these observations for her work. Her father once shared his enjoyment of watching bustling crossroads, observing the variety of people coming and going. Initially, she didn't fully understand his perspective, but as she began observing people, events, and objects in her own life and documenting them through her art, she too found deeper meaning in these practices. This approach has undoubtedly enabled her to understand herself better, explore the world, discover beauty and significance, and engage in a lifelong pursuit of interest.

In her art, she captures these moments of simple happiness and shares them with others. These moments include summer days with melting ice cream, the warmth of fresh bagels, childhood marbles, the surprise of a sudden skin allergy, the simplicity of a boiled egg, the beauty of water droplets, the elegant curves of gemstones, the soft bellies of young animals, the unique shape of earlobes, the intricate backs of beetles, the grapes that fell beside a fruit shop's basket, the last piece of candy, a half-moon-shaped scoop of watermelon, the comforting taste of sesame-filled sweet rice balls, the worn eyes of a toy sheep, and a mole known only to herself.

It's evident that she has a special affinity for round shapes and smooth surfaces, as they bring a calming effect and a sense of simple happiness. Another significant element in her work is animals. They are not just images; they are a means for her to express her emotions, born from her deep love for animals and the surprising emotional support she has found in her pets. When she blends human feelings and expressions with animal imagery, something truly interesting and engaging emerges.

In essence, her work is a celebration of life's little wonders. She infuses her creations with humor and wit, aiming for them to be light-hearted, fun, and playful—something that brings a smile to people's faces. She hopes that encounters with her art, whether it's jewelry or something else, will spark a sense of joy in the ordinary and an impulse to share that joy with others. Through her art, she hopes to connect with people, bringing them a moment of happiness, a sense of calm, and a reminder of the beauty in the world around them.

INTERVIEW

First of all, what initially drew you to jewelry design, and how has your artistic journey evolved since then?

My decision to pursue a path in art, particularly jewelry design, was deeply influenced by my family. Art has always been an integral part of my upbringing—my grandfather is a well-known Chinese painter, and my mother also excels in drawing. Growing up, I often accompanied my grandfather on sketching trips in nature, which fostered my habit of observing and appreciating the subtle beauty in everyday life.
One of my fondest childhood memories is visiting our city's "Cultural Market" every Sunday afternoon with my father. This lively marketplace was a hub of art and culture, filled with everything from paintings and calligraphy to antiques, tea, jewelry, and gemstones. It was here that I first encountered the world of jewelry. I vividly remember being fascinated by the vibrant colors of watermelon tourmaline and purple agate bangles. Watching a shopkeeper deftly restring a pendant we bought, I thought, "I want to learn how to do that and create something beautiful of my own."
This early curiosity led me to start making small accessories by hand as a child. At first, I mimicked the designs I saw, but as I experimented with different materials, I began to develop my own ideas and style. My formal education at Savannah College of Art and Design and later at Cranbrook Academy of Art provided me with the technical skills and artistic foundation to turn my childhood passion into a professional career. It was during this time that I began to explore the deeper meanings behind my creations, incorporating cultural symbols and narratives that resonate with my personal experiences.
Today, my work is an extension of my personal life and experiences. I find inspiration in the subtle details of daily life and the cultural elements that shape my perspective. My creations often feature rounded shapes and smooth surfaces, embodying a sense of tranquility and joy. Through these designs, I aim to evoke feelings of healing and simplicity, inviting those who engage with my work to find moments of connection and reflection.

Art as a life-changing force is a central belief of yours. How has creating jewelry and other artworks shaped your own understanding of life and individuality?

I must admit, I am naturally an impatient person by temperament, but when it comes to art, I seem to have an endless reserve of patience. My family often recounts how, as a child, I would spend entire afternoons immersed in drawing or crafting, so focused that they'd have to call me to take a break.
For a long time, I struggled with a sense of restlessness, always chasing things I didn't yet have or striving for an idealized version of the future. I felt an urgency to reach the next stage of my life, to become a "more complete" version of myself. This led to constant self-doubt, frequent changes in artistic style, and a ceaseless search for new ways to express myself. I was restless, anxious, and unable to truly find joy.
Art became my journey of self-healing. When I create, I am compelled to slow down and observe the world around me more carefully. Designing a piece of jewelry or artwork requires me to repeatedly reflect on questions like, "How can I express this idea better?" "Is this the right material?" or "Why am I choosing this form of expression?" During the creative process, I find myself able to temporarily let go of external pressures and focus entirely on emotions and observations.
My recent works revolve around the themes of "time" and "life," encapsulating my reflections and experiences. I often incorporate rounded shapes, smooth surfaces, and playful, cartoon-like elements to convey a sense of humor and lightness. This has not only become a hallmark of my style but also reflects my deep understanding of emotions. I want my audience to feel peace and joy when they engage with my creations, perhaps even dissolving their own negative emotions in the process. Some viewers have told me my work has a unique "healing" quality, and this emotional resonance has become an integral and distinctive part of my art.
I view art and creation as an anchor in my life. It pulls me back when I become too impatient, encouraging me to pause and reflect. It provides a safe space to retreat to when I am weary, and it serves as a powerful outlet for self-expression when words are not enough. This connection with art has profoundly shaped my understanding of life and individuality, making it an indispensable part of who I am.

Your designs are known for their unique blend of tradition and innovation. How do you ensure your work stays authentic to your personal style while evolving with contemporary trends?

As a Chinese artist who has lived in the United States since my teenage years, the intersection of Eastern and Western cultures has profoundly shaped my creative process and continues to influence my artistic expression. I draw inspiration from a variety of cultural elements, including Pop Art, naturalism, and 3D art, integrating these perspectives into my work to explore the delicate balance between tradition and modernity. My designs often feature a fusion of industrial products, Asian cultural symbols, and diverse elements, reflecting my understanding and appreciation of multiculturalism.
In any form of artistic creation, it's nearly impossible not to be influenced by trends or other art forms, and I don't see this as a problem. The key is whether these influences can be absorbed and transformed into something that aligns with one's personal style. For me, I constantly reflect on why I choose certain elements or characteristics as the focal points of my designs. Do they genuinely represent the story I want to tell or the emotions I aim to express?
For example, I often incorporate smooth surfaces into my work because they evoke a sense of calm and comfort for me. Smoothness conveys a sense of "cleanliness" and "near perfection," two aesthetic principles that resonate deeply with me. Furthermore, smooth shapes remind me of beautiful moments in life—like the texture of certain foods or the coolness of a summer breeze.
By observing and analyzing the objects and elements I'm drawn to in life, I've gained a deeper understanding of how different cultural influences merge within me, shaping both who I am and my artistic style. This process of self-reflection ensures that my work remains authentic to my personal vision while evolving with contemporary trends. It allows me to create designs that are not only innovative but also deeply rooted in my unique cultural and emotional experiences.

You emphasize combining materials to achieve harmony and balance. How do you decide which materials to use for a particular piece?

When selecting materials for a piece, I begin by identifying the theme and emotions I want to convey. Many materials and colors inherently carry specific meanings or evoke certain feelings. For instance, if I aim to create a piece with a light and cheerful atmosphere, I would avoid using materials that feel heavy or somber.
Materials and techniques also come with cultural or industrial associations that influence how the audience perceives them. For example, steel often conveys an industrial vibe, while PVC might evoke thoughts of childhood toys. If these associations clash with the intended message of the piece, I make a conscious effort to avoid them.
To ensure harmony and balance, I first establish the overall tone of the piece and then choose materials and techniques that align with it. However, this process is rarely straightforward. It often involves multiple rounds of experimentation and refinement to strike the right balance between the atmosphere I want to create and the aesthetic harmony of the design.
Additionally, I consider practicality, particularly the weight of the final piece. Since I aim for my work to be wearable in daily life, I carefully balance the materials used to keep the piece within a comfortable weight range. For example, if a design is particularly large, I might avoid using heavy metals throughout and instead incorporate lighter materials in certain sections as substitutes.
By focusing on both the emotional resonance and functionality of the materials, I strive to create pieces that not onlyreflect my artistic vision but are also meaningful and accessible to those who wear them. This balance between expression and practicality is central to my creative process.

Casting techniques play a significant role in your work. Can you walk us through how these processes influence the final forms of your jewelry?

Casting is one of the first few metalworking techniques I learned and remains one of my favorites. It is an incredibly versatile process that allows you to cast almost anything, even organic materials. What I love most is the wax carving stage in lost-wax casting. During this phase, I can bring an idea from my imagination into reality, transforming a 2D concept into a 3D form with my hands. Wax carving gives me precise control over the shapes and details that will eventually be realized in metal, making it a deeply satisfying and creative process.
On the other hand, I also frequently use and greatly enjoy water casting, a technique that contrasts sharply with lost-wax casting. The beauty of water casting lies in its unpredictability. When molten metal is poured into cold water, the water envelops the metal, creating fascinating, irregular shapes that are entirely unique. The collisions between water and metal leave marks on the surface, capturing a moment of dynamic interaction.
In this process, I feel like I can truly "see" water—its many forms and emotions: the softness of water, its rage, its calmness, its broken fragments. Each cast piece reflects a different aspect of water's personality, frozen in time. The challenge and excitement come afterward as I brainstorm how to incorporate these random, organic shapes into meaningful designs.
Casting, whether controlled and precise like lost-wax casting or spontaneous and chaotic like water casting, allows me to explore the balance between intention and serendipity. These techniques influence not only the final forms of my jewelry but also how I conceptualize and express the themes in my work. They add layers of meaning and depth, transforming each piece into a unique narrative of its creation process.

How do you approach the challenge of innovating traditional cultural elements while incorporating modern materials and technologies?

When it comes to innovating traditional cultural elements, my approach focuses on preserving their original symbolic meanings while presenting them in a fresh and contemporary way. I believe the essence of these elements lies in their cultural significance, which provides a foundation for meaningful storytelling. Rather than altering their core, I aim to reinterpret them through modern techniques and aesthetics, giving them new life and relevance in today's context.
For example, I often use advanced technologies like 3D printing to explore new possibilities in form and structure. Thisallows me to create intricate designs that might be impossible with traditional methods while maintaining the essence of the original symbols. Additionally, I experiment with new artistic styles, such as incorporating playful or cartoon-like elements, to make traditional motifs more relatable and appealing to a younger, global audience.
By combining these modern approaches with traditional elements, I aim to create designs that not only resonate with contemporary aesthetics but also carry forward the cultural values and stories they represent. This process doesn't just preserve tradition—it transforms it, allowing it to evolve and gain new meaning in a rapidly changing world.

You've mentioned that every piece of contemporary jewelry reflects the characteristics of its time. What do you think defines the spirit of the current era, and how do you capture it in your designs?

I believe the spirit of the current era lies in the intersection of rapid technological advancements, cultural diversity, and an increasing emphasis on self-expression. In this digital and globalized age, people not only seek to connect with their cultural heritage but also aspire to express their individuality and inner emotions in unique ways. Everyone is searchingfor symbols and languages that reflect their values, experiences, and identity.
In my designs, I respond to this by reimagining traditional cultural elements in innovative ways. For example, I reinterpret Chinese zodiac symbols, giving them a more modern and playful form that carries cultural significance while serving as a medium for personal expression. I also incorporate emerging materials, contemporary aesthetics, and advanced techniques like 3D modeling, seamlessly integrating them with traditional craftsmanship to create pieces that resonate with the lifestyles of today's younger generation.
Most importantly, self-expression is at the core of my work. I strive to ensure that each piece of jewelry becomes a part of the wearer's story, whether through cultural symbolism, emotional connection, or personalized design choices. Jewelry, in this sense, is no longer just an accessory but a powerful tool for storytelling and identity. In an era where everyone seeks to amplify their unique voice, I see jewelry as a deeply meaningful way to express oneself and forge connections with the world.

What role do you believe jewelry plays in self-expression compared to other art forms like painting or sculpture?

I believe jewelry serves as an extension of personal style and a natural continuation of the human body. Unlike many other art forms, the uniqueness of jewelry lies in its intimate connection with the wearer—it directly interacts with the body. This creates inherent constraints, such as size and shape, as jewelry must conform to the body's curves. However, these very limitations make jewelry an especially intriguing and interactive form of art.
Unlike a painting, which people might admire from a distance, jewelry invites touch and exploration. People are naturally drawn to pick up, wear, and physically engage with a piece of jewelry. This interaction is vital to its nature. A piece of jewelry resting on a table feels entirely different from the same piece worn on the body. This element of "wearability" is a defining characteristic and a fundamental part of what makes jewelry unique as an art form.
I often compare the wearer of jewelry to a "gallery," while the jewelry itself represents the curated artwork of the day. Just as an exhibition often revolves around a specific theme, the jewelry we choose to wear communicates our "theme" to the world. Jewelry has the power to express, but is not limited to, the wearer's identity, emotional state, political stance, personal taste, hobbies, and mood. Its portability makes it akin to a social calling card, sharing aspects of ourselves with those around us.
Compared to painting, which often emphasizes the artist's self-expression, or sculpture, which frequently carries broader societal or communal significance, jewelry plays a distinct and unparalleled role in personal self-expression. It combines artistic intention with the wearer's individuality, making it an ever-changing, deeply personal form of art.

Looking ahead, are there new materials, techniques, or themes you're excited to explore in your jewelry designs?

I have always been passionate about exploring and integrating diverse materials in my work. One technique I am particularly eager to incorporate into my jewelry is enameling. Enameling is both fascinating and one of my favorite techniques. In 2022, I undertook a systematic study of various enameling methods, and through this process, I discovered a wealth of possibilities. However, I am still searching for the perfect way to seamlessly integrate it into my designs. Its vivid pattern and intricate layering potential offer so much room for creative expression, and I'm excited to see how it can add depth and character to my work.
Additionally, I am actively exploring the use of 3D printing with other materials. As you may have noticed, 3D printing already plays a significant role in my designs, and it's an area I'm continuously advancing. I'm particularly interested in pushing the boundaries of this technology by refining how I utilize it. This includes experimenting with combining existing patterns and elements from my designs to create entirely new motifs. By reassembling smaller components into fresh configurations, I aim to generate innovative elements and patterns that bring a contemporary edge to my work.
Looking ahead, I'm excited to blend traditional techniques like enameling with cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing, as I believe this fusion can create unique and meaningful jewelry pieces that reflect both the past and the future. These explorations not only challenge me creatively but also allow me to evolve as a designer, continually pushing the boundaries of what jewelry can be.

Lastly, what are your plans for the coming months? Are you working on any new piece or collection? 

Yes, I am currently working on new pieces and collections. As I mentioned earlier, my recent creations revolve around the themes of "life" and "time," with the Chinese zodiac remaining a central element. However, I'm introducing innovative twists to the zodiac symbols, reimagining their imagery in fresh ways. For this new series, I plan to incorporate enameling techniques and explore wood as a material, which I have rarely used in the past. I'm excited to see how these elements will interact and spark new creative possibilities.
Much of my inspiration comes from my everyday life, and recent significant changes in my personal life have provided me with a wealth of new ideas. Over the past week alone, I've had so many concepts swirling in my mind that they often "compete" for attention. Being a person with a slightly impatient personality, I'm eager to organize these ideas and bring them to life as quickly as possible. It's an exhilarating process to transform these thoughts into tangible designs.
Additionally, I'm working on a new collection for my personal brand, ZOO ZOO JEWELRY. In my brand, I distill elements from my artistic creations and adapt them into jewelry designs for everyday wear, making these unique cultural symbols more accessible to a broader audience. In 2024, the brand launched a collection centered around modernized zodiac symbols and pearls. This collection merges the symbolic depth of traditional culture with a contemporary sense of style, aiming to appeal to a younger generation of consumers. Throughout the design process, I strive to strike a balance between tradition and modernity, reshaping the zodiac in a fresh, youthful, and fashion-forward way.
Looking ahead, I plan to release a new collection in 2025 that combines the zodiac with jade. This upcoming series aims to bring traditional elements closer to modern jewelry design, offering wearers a distinctive and meaningful fashion experience. I'm excited about the possibilities this fusion presents and look forward to sharing these innovative creations with the world.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.