Hsinyu Candy Chu. Academy of Art University. Selected Graduate 2016

Academy of Art University, San Francisco, Untited States

Hsinyu Candy Chu - Light / Shadow
  Interconnectivity of the universe and all beings can be representative of the Yin and Yang theory. If the symbol can be interpreted as the universe then all that is within the universe has both light and shadow sides. Light and shadow are two different energies that represent the diversity of elements. They are opposites, but also complements. Light overtakes shadow and shadow can overtake light. In other words, we can find light within shadow and shadow within light. We cannot separate them. The two different energies maintain balance and harmony.

In order to reflect this concept in my graduate thesis, I strive to design jewelry that conveys light and shadow as opposites and as complementary forces also to explore cycles, movement and balance. I design my jewelry as pairs and represented as binaries. My goal is to create experimental and elaborate wearable forms that move beyond the more typical earrings, necklace and bracelets. My pieces exemplify organic forms but are also composed of geometric, repetitive shapes. The circular shapes and repetitive domes symbolize cycles, union and the complementarity of the two elements. I have also incorporated other techniques in my recent work such as Suminagashi, a Japanese paper marbling technique, which involves floating color inks on the surface of water and resulting in circular rings and patterns. When I first discovered Suminagashi I was amazed and intrigued by the marbled patterns and the washed out effects on paper. Consequently I chose to use this technique with paper-thin porcelain. The intricate swirling patterns and circular rings symbolize cycles and the constant impact of one object upon another.  Within these pieces there is no sense of opposites or imbalance. As part of my concept and process I also affixed a LED light behind a diffuser. The light that travels through the translucent porcelain emphasizes the contrast between the black and white pigments."

Short Statement by Charlene Modena, Director, School of Jewelry and Metal Arts
I must admit that whenever I attempt to comprehend the ancient Chinese philosophy of YinYang(dark/bright) as well as its applications to Feng-Shui, I am content to simply grasp only the most basic understanding. Although commonly described as seemingly contrary forces, opposing yet complementary, and an underlying aspect of an interdependent natural world, it is clearly much more complex. 

As the child of a renowned Taiwanese Feng-Shui consultant, Candy experiences this philosophy on a cellular level. Selecting YinYang as the core concept  for her MFA thesis, she has not only created a stunningly beautiful, and technically astute body of work, but has shown me and anyone else who views her work the enormous gap between the trendy pop culture view of YinYang and Feng Shui, to which most of us have been exposed, and the profound understanding she carries with her.

Candy’s commitment to her thesis project not only shows exemplary technique and choice of support mediums, mature decision making, and a deep understanding of concept and philosophy, but also an ability to discard clichés as well as a disdain for simplistic, linear thinking,

Poignantly, through her mature artistic self, her family life and heritage, she personifies a wider framework for the basic YinYang truth that “one cannot exist without the other.”


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