Meet Kris. Jiachen Liu

We recently connected with Kris. Jiachen Liu and have shared our conversation below.

Kris. Jiachen , appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

Keeping my creativity alive is an ongoing exploration, deeply rooted in my architectural background and the philosophy behind my brand, UnderKurrent. A fundamental strategy I employ is to observe the world through various lenses, constantly asking, “What if?” This inquiry opens doors to new possibilities and informs both my design work and the concepts I explore in UnderKurrent.

For example, I often challenge conventional notions by asking provocative questions: “What if the inner core of a concrete column could be soft, like cream?”, “What if a subway station led to an underground playground?” or “What if the clothes could wear the people?”These questions help me deconstruct stereotypes and reveal the coexistence of internal and external contradictions, reinforcing my belief that the surface can often hide deeper meanings.

To facilitate this creative process, I maintain a sketchbook documenting my observations and ideas. I capture interesting elements I encounter in my surroundings, whether the interplay of solid and liquid forms or the crazy overlayed outfit of a stranger on the train. This practice allows me to explore how we can break through the limitations of reality and seek variety in meaning.

Collaboration is another vital aspect of maintaining my creativity. Engaging with fellow designers and artists broadens my perspective and often leads to unexpected insights. These discussions encourage me to think outside traditional frameworks and explore how we can redefine boundaries in our work.

By cultivating a curious mindset, asking “What if?”, and actively engaging with diverse ideas, I ensure that my creativity remains vibrant and ever-evolving. Through UnderKurrent, I strive to express these themes, emphasizing the beauty in contradictions and the limitless potential that lies in breaking free from established norms. Keeping these practices alive has been instrumental in fueling my creativity and pushing the boundaries of my design approach.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m Kris Lau, a designer and creative entrepreneur with a passion for exploring the intersection of architecture, art, and jewelry design through my brand, UnderKurrent. My journey began at Pratt Institute, and Columbia University, where I honed my skills and developed a unique perspective on design. This experience has profoundly shaped my approach, allowing me to blend architectural principles with artistic expression.

UnderKurrent is a brand that embodies my exploration of contradictions. It focuses on deconstructing stereotypes and challenging the conventional perceptions of materials and forms showing as jewelry design, set design and spatial design. Currently running through instagram @underkurrent_ny . I often ask myself, “What if?” questions, such as “What if a concrete column could be soft like chocolate inside?” or “What if a subway station led to an underground playground?” and “What if the clothes could wear the people?” These inquiries drive my creative process, allowing me to think beyond traditional boundaries and find beauty in the unexpected. My goal is to express the coexistence of internal and external contradictions, highlighting the collision of toughness and softness in my designs.

While Ninetynight is no longer a separate brand, it served as an early exploration under the UnderKurrent umbrella, focusing on innovative jewelry designs that challenged conventional norms with architectural aesthetics. I aim to blur the lines between wearability and artistic expression in my jewelry designs. A wearable piece will also have its set design and even showroom design as one collection to reflect the design theme. This allows wearers to engage with their individuality and reflect their unique stories through each piece. I believe that every piece of wearable art should evoke emotion and spark conversation, encouraging people to embrace their identity and celebrate the stories behind their adornments.

What excites me most about my work is the ability to connect with others through design. Each project offers an opportunity to evoke emotions and foster discussions about identity, culture, and creativity. Collaboration plays a vital role in my creative process; I often engage with fellow artists and designers to fuse our ideas and create something truly unique. One of the latest collaborations is with Naussica for their wearable collections. Besides that, UnderKurrent has served back in China, showcasing collections in fashion boutiques from Shanghai and Guangzhou, as well as hosting a jewelry pop-up show in New York City during fashion weeks.

Through UnderKurrent, I aim to inspire others to look beyond the surface and embrace the limitless possibilities of creativity. By breaking free from established norms, we can discover new meanings and experiences that enrich our lives.
And please feel free to check in @underkurrent_ny for more exhibition, art, and popup updates.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back on my journey as a designer and creative entrepreneur, I can identify three qualities and skills that have been particularly impactful: adaptability, creative curiosity, and collaboration.

Adaptability
In the fast-paced world of design, being adaptable is essential. Projects often evolve, and unexpected challenges arise that require quick thinking and flexibility. My experience in architecture taught me to embrace change and approach problems with an open mind. For those early in their journey, I advise cultivating a mindset that welcomes change. Embrace new ideas and learn to pivot when necessary. This will not only enhance your resilience but also broaden your creative horizons.

Creative Curiosity
A strong sense of curiosity drives innovation. Asking “What if?” has been a cornerstone of my creative process, allowing me to explore unconventional ideas and challenge the status quo. I encourage emerging creatives to stay inquisitive about the world around them. Engage in diverse experiences, seek inspiration from different fields, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. This curiosity will fuel your creativity and lead to exciting discoveries in your work.

Collaboration
Collaboration has been vital to my growth as a designer. Working with fellow artists and designers opens up new perspectives and ideas, leading to richer, more innovative outcomes. My advice for those starting out is to actively seek collaboration opportunities. Attend workshops, join creative communities, and engage with others in your field. Building a network of diverse voices will enhance your learning and provide invaluable support as you navigate your journey.

In summary, by developing adaptability, nurturing creative curiosity, and embracing collaboration, individuals can significantly enhance their creative journeys. These qualities not only help navigate the challenges of the design world but also foster a deeper connection with the creative community. Remember, every experience—whether a success or a setback—contributes to your growth, so embrace the journey and keep pushing the boundaries of your creativity.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

Prioritization: I take a step back to assess my tasks and prioritize them based on urgency and importance. Creating a to-do list helps me visualize what needs to be accomplished and allows me to tackle one task at a time.

Breaking Tasks Down: Large projects can feel daunting, so I break them into smaller, manageable steps. This approach not only makes the work feel less overwhelming but also provides a sense of progress as I check off completed tasks.

Taking Breaks: I set a timer for myself to take breaks, whether it’s a walk along a park or riverside. These moments away from my workspace help clear my mind and reboot my creativity.

Physical Activity: Engaging in cardio training or kickboxing is personally very helpful for me. These activities not only release endorphins but also provide an excellent outlet for stress, helping me return to my work with renewed energy.

Seeking Support: I’ve learned the importance of reaching out to my network for support. Whether it’s discussing challenges with peers or collaborating on a project, sharing my feelings can lighten the burden and often leads to valuable insights and emotional support.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

@kkkkkrislau

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