Qianying Zhu

Bio

MFA at Cranbrook Academy of Art, 2024. 
BFA at Savannah College of Art and Design, 2021. 

Qianying studies and trains 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 willing to work with various materials and practiced many times to identify the topics. 
She 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.
Qianying believes that arts can change one’s life. Devote self to create unique works that could show personal views and style. Learn a basic understanding of life, whole, and individual, from the art creation.
Qianying 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.

Statement

To me, art is a journey to understand life's simple and complex aspects. I reflect upon life by observing both the mundane and the specialness, deriving much joy and inspiration for my works from these observations. My father once shared with me his enjoyment of watching the bustling crossroads, observing the myriad of people coming and going. Initially, I didn't quite grasp his perspective, but as I began to observe the people, events, and objects in my own life and document them through my artworks, I, too, found deeper meaning in these practices. Undoubtedly, this approach has enabled me to understand myself better, explore the world, discover beauty and significance, and engage in a lifelong pursuit of interest.
​
In my art, I capture these moments of simple happiness and share them with others. It's like summer days with melting ice cream, the warmth of fresh bagels, the marbles of my childhood, 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 the 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 myself. 
​
It's not hard to notice that I have a special love for shapes that are round and surfaces that are smooth. These shapes and textures feel calming and bring a sense of simple happiness. Another significant element in my work is animals. They're not just images; they're ways for me to express my feelings. This comes from my deep love for animals and the surprising emotional support I've found in my pets. When I blend human feelings and expressions with animal imagery, something really interesting and engaging happens.
​
In essence, my work is a celebration of life's little wonders. I try to infuse my work with humor and wit. I want my art to be light-hearted, fun, and playful, something that brings a smile to people's faces. I hope that an encounter with my art, whether it's jewelry or something else, will bring a sense of joy in the ordinary, and an impulse to share that joy with others. Through my art, I hope to connect with people, bringing them a moment of happiness, a sense of calm, and a reminder of the beauty in the world around us. 

CV