My name is Qianying Zhu, and I'm a contemporary jewelry artist and designer deeply passionate about creating pieces that serve as personal expressions of identity, culture, and creativity. My journey into design began with a profound love for art, rooted in childhood experiences of sketching natural landscapes and creating imaginative forms inspired by my cultural heritage.

Jewelry design became my chosen medium because it beautifully blends artistic creativity with personal storytelling. One of my greatest joys as an artist is seeing my pieces worn and cherished by others, observing how each creation takes on a unique life through its interaction with the wearer.

These personal connections inspire me continuously, reinforcing my commitment to designing jewelry that resonates emotionally and culturally, bringing joy and self-expression into everyday life.

Experimentation plays a critical role in my creative process, particularly because my designs often incorporate mixed media. Continuously experimenting and evaluating how different materials interact is essential, as there can be significant differences between an initial idea and its physical realization.

Connecting diverse materials demands creative solutions and extensive experimentation, keeping the process exciting and full of learning.

For instance, in my award-winning piece, Oops, I featured 3D-printed beads inspired by the Chinese zodiac as the central elements of the necklace. Determining how best to connect these beads with metal components required numerous trials and careful consideration. I prefer avoiding chemical adhesives like glue, as sustainability and long-term durability are key values in my work.

This preference pushed me to explore alternative methods extensively. After thorough experimentation, considering both feasibility and aesthetics, I chose knotting and braiding techniques. These traditional yet versatile methods not only provided the desired connection but also enhanced the visual appeal and tactile experience of the jewelry.

This experimentation resolved the technical challenge and led to the development of new techniques that have become integral to my design vocabulary.

One of my most unusual sources of inspiration comes directly from everyday life, particularly the subtle, easily overlooked details that can unexpectedly trigger creativity. Inspiration often strikes during mundane moments—especially those small, quirky experiences that simultaneously make me laugh and cry.

For example, I once created a jewelry piece inspired by an incident where my necklace would always persistently tangle in the strangest ways in my jewelry box, despite my careful attempts to organize them. This seemingly trivial yet relatable moment became the foundation for a playful and interactive design, reflecting both humor and frustration.

Capturing these nuanced, humorous aspects of daily life enriches my creative process, allowing me to transform ordinary occurrences into meaningful artistic expressions.

When I experience a creative block, my primary strategy is to step away from my workspace and get out of the house. Since much of my inspiration is drawn from everyday life, actively engaging with the world around me and enjoying a fulfilling day outdoors can significantly recharge my creativity.

Additionally, nature serves as a powerful source of healing and inspiration. Going on hikes or simply resting outdoors allows me to reconnect, quickly re-energizing my creative spirit and often sparking fresh ideas.

If I find myself particularly drained or exhausted, I give myself a full day off to catch up on rest—sometimes, a good sleep is the best remedy. Taking care of myself physically and mentally is essential to maintaining consistent creativity and inspiration.

My designs deeply reflect my personal values of mindfulness and celebrating life's small joys. These principles are not only central themes I strive to communicate through my creations, but also constant reminders to myself.

Having struggled frequently with anxiety and overthinking, I've often found myself exhausted from being overly focused on outcomes and future plans, unintentionally overlooking the beauty of the present moment. The experience of losing a loved one profoundly reshaped my perspective, emphasizing the importance of cherishing everyday experiences and appreciating the small, joyful moments that make life meaningful.

Through my work, I aim to capture and celebrate these moments, reminding both myself and others that being fully present is equally important to—and often enriches—future accomplishments.

One question I jokingly wish people would ask me is, 'Can I buy this piece?' To which I'd eagerly reply, 'Of course!' and promptly share the price—just kidding! On a more serious note, I genuinely enjoy when people ask about the inspiration behind my work.

It gives me the opportunity to reveal hidden jokes and surprising sources of inspiration embedded in my designs.

Additionally, I always love turning the question around and asking them about their feelings and interpretations of my creations, because ultimately, how my art resonates with others matters most to me.