Organic inspiration can be found in Jiashi Ying’s jewelry collection, “Cellular Universe” at AUTOR 2023 on May 6-7 at Oscar Maugch Palace, University Square.

Using spherical shapes and patterns, Jiashi Ying’s jewelry captures the interconnectedness and interdependence of everything in the universe. Don’t miss the opportunity to see and experience this collection that celebrates nature and our responsibility to protect it.

In this interview we meet artist Jiashi Ying, author of the “Cellular Universe” collection.

1. What inspired you to create a collection centered around cellular structures?

I am always fascinated by the world around me, and I find inspiration in the most unexpected places. My interest in cellular structure began with my educational background in math and art therapy, which opened my eyes to the beauty and complexity of the human body and its inner workings.

I believe that every living organism, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, has a unique and important role to play in the grand scheme of things. The cellular universe tries to draw attention to the beauty and complexity of the cellular world, which is often overlooked. I’m interested in the concept of consciousness at the cellular level, and whether cells have individual personalities and temperaments that we can’t see with our eyes. Through my art exploring these concepts, I hope to make the audience think and reflect on the complexity of life on a deeper level.

Overall, my inspiration comes from a desire to create something unique and thought-provoking that inspires others to see the world differently.

2. How did you choose the shape you included in your collection?

In my art, I am drawn to the sphere, which represents unity, wholeness, and completeness. The sphere has no beginning or end, no corners or edges, and is often associated with concepts like infinity and eternity. In this sense, the sphere can be seen as a symbol of the interconnectedness and interdependence of all things in the universe. It also represents balance and harmony, as all points on the surface of a sphere are equidistant from its center.

In my jewelry designs, the use of spherical shapes serves as a representation of the fundamental cellular structures that are present in all living organisms. By using this shape, I aim to convey the idea that all living things are connected and interdependent, and that each one has a unique and significant role to play in the larger system. The sphere also represents the beauty and complexity of nature, which I hope to capture and celebrate through my jewelry designs.

3. What symbolism does the sphere hold in your “Cellular Universe” collection?

My educational background in math has certainly influenced my perspective on the interconnectedness of all things. In mathematics, there are many concepts that emphasize the relationships and connections between different variables or components of a system.

For example, in geometry, the study of shapes and their properties, there are many instances where the properties of one shape depend on its relationship to other shapes. This interconnectedness is also evident in mathematical concepts such as fractals, which are structures that repeat themselves at different scales and exhibit self-similarity.

Through my art, I aim to express this sense of interconnectedness by using spherical shapes and patterns that are repeated and interconnected in various ways.

4. What do you believe is the role of jewelry in communicating emotions?

I absolutely believe that jewelry has a unique ability to communicate emotions and create a personal connection between the wearer and the object. Because jewelry is often worn on the body, it is intimately connected to our physical selves and can serve as a tangible expression of our emotions and identity.

For example, a piece of jewelry might be chosen to symbolize a special relationship, such as a wedding ring or a friendship bracelet. In this way, the jewelry becomes imbued with the emotional significance of that relationship and serves as a constant reminder of it. Similarly, the aesthetics and materials used in jewelry can evoke different emotions and communicate different messages. A bold, statement piece might communicate confidence and power, while a delicate, intricate piece might evoke feelings of elegance and grace. Ultimately, jewelry can serve as a form of self-expression and allow the wearer to communicate their emotions, identity, and values to the world. The tactile experience of wearing jewelry further enhances this connection and allows for a deeper emotional experience.

5. How does your jewelry reflect your passion for nature and the environment?

Nature has always been a source of inspiration for me, and my passion for it is reflected in my jewelry designs. I believe that all living organisms are interconnected and play a vital role in the balance of our planet’s ecosystem. The use of spherical shapes in my designs represents the fundamental building blocks of life, the cells, which are the basis of all living organisms.

I am particularly interested in the concept of emergent properties, where complex structures and behaviors emerge from simpler components. This idea is present in nature, where simple cells can form complex organs, and individual organisms can form complex ecosystems. In my jewelry designs, I aim to capture the beauty and complexity of these emergent properties by creating pieces that evoke a sense of harmony and balance. Additionally, I am deeply concerned about the impact that human activities have on the environment. Through my work, I want to raise awareness about the importance of preserving our planet and the need for sustainable practices. I believe that jewelry, as a wearable art form, can serve as a powerful reminder of our connection to nature and our responsibility to protect it.

6. How do you balance creativity with practical considerations like durability and wearability in your jewelry designs?

I believe that creativity and practical considerations are both important when designing jewelry. While I want my pieces to be visually stunning and unique, I also want them to be functional and durable. To achieve this balance, I spend a lot of time researching and experimenting with different materials and techniques. I consider factors such as the strength and durability of the materials, the weight and comfort of the pieces, and the overall wearability of the design. I also pay close attention to the craftsmanship of the pieces, ensuring that each one is made with care and attention to detail.

Like I have a “Double Ponytail” and it is one of my favorite pieces in my collection. It is a handcrafted sterling silver ring in the shape of two ponytails, with each ponytail ending in a little sphere. The ring is designed to be worn between two fingers, and when worn, it gives the impression that the two ponytails are sprouting out from the fingers.

The inspiration for this ring came from observing my niece, who was wearing two ponytails in her hair at the time. I was struck by the innocence and freedom of childhood, and I wanted to capture that feeling in my jewelry. The double ponytail shape represents the playfulness and lightheartedness of childhood, while the spheres symbolize the interconnectedness of all things in the world. The unique way of wearing the ring reflects the idea of breaking free from traditional conventions and embracing individuality and creativity. By wearing the ring in this way, the wearer is encouraged to be playful and daring, to step outside of their comfort zone, and to embrace their inner childlike spirit. It’s a reminder to approach life with a sense of wonder and curiosity, and to never lose touch with the joy and freedom of childhood.

7. How do you convey the idea that every living organism has a unique and significant role to play through your jewelry designs?

I convey the idea that every living organism has a unique and significant role to play through my jewelry designs in several ways. One of the ways is through the use of diverse materials, such as different colors of enamels and patinas, and interesting hollow-out patterns. By using a variety of materials, I aim to represent the diversity and uniqueness of living organisms. Just as every living organism is distinct and plays a vital role in the ecosystem, each material used in my jewelry designs has its own character, color, and texture. This diversity of materials serves as a metaphor for the rich and diverse web of life on our planet, and the idea that every living organism, no matter how small, has a unique contribution to make.

The use of enamels and patinas also adds depth and complexity to my jewelry designs. Enamels, which are fused glass powders, can be applied in different colors and layered to create intricate patterns and textures, representing the complexity and beauty of the natural world. Patinas, which are formed through the oxidation of metal surfaces, create unique and unpredictable colors and patterns, symbolizing the unpredictability and individuality of living organisms. Additionally, the hollow-out patterns in my jewelry designs represent the interconnectedness of all living things. Just as cells are connected and communicate with each other in complex ways, the hollow-out patterns in my designs symbolize the interdependence and communication among different elements in nature. It’s a visual representation of the idea that every living organism is connected and has a role to play in the grand tapestry of life.

Overall, my jewelry designs aim to capture the essence of nature’s diversity, complexity, and interconnectedness, and convey the message that every living organism, no matter how small, has a unique and significant role to play in the symphony of life on Earth.

8. What do you think sets your “Cellular Universe” collection apart from other contemporary jewelry collections?

The unique concept of my “Cellular Universe” collection lies in its exploration of cellular structures and the idea of personalities within cells that are unseen to the naked eye. While the concept of exploring the natural world is not new to contemporary jewelry, the focus on cellular structures and the personalities within them provides a fresh perspective that has not been widely explored in the jewelry world. Moreover, the use of spherical shapes as the main design element is a distinguishing feature of my collection. By incorporating this design element, I aim to symbolize the fundamental nature of cellular structures and the interconnectedness of all living things. The sphere also holds a significant symbolic value, representing wholeness, unity, and infinity.

In addition to the unique concept and design elements, the incorporation of different characters adds an element of playfulness and narrative to the designs, setting them apart from traditional jewelry collections. The grumpy and cute kindergartener characters, for example, offer a unique take on the idea of personalities within cells and add a layer of storytelling to the collection. My “Cellular Universe” collection stands out from other contemporary jewelry collections due to its unique concept, design elements, and playful narrative. By combining art, science, and symbolism in this way, I hope to offer a fresh perspective on the natural world and the beauty that lies within it.

9. Why is it so important for you to exhibit your jewelry at the AUTOR Fair in Romania?

Participating in the AUTOR fair allows me to connect with other jewelers, designers, and industry professionals. This networking can lead to collaborations, new ideas, and inspiration for future projects. It’s also a chance to learn about the latest trends and developments in the field and stay up to date on what other artists are creating.

Exhibiting at the AUTOR Fair provides me with a platform to share my passion and understanding of jewelry with a wider audience. I believe that jewelry is not just a decorative object but a form of artistic expression that can communicate deep emotions, ideas, and stories. By showcasing my work and explaining my creative process and philosophy, I hope to inspire others and promote a greater appreciation for contemporary jewelry.