Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jiashi Ying. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Jiashi, so excited to have you with us today and we are really interested in hearing your thoughts about how folks can develop their empathy? In our experience, most folks want to be empathic towards others, but in a world where we are often only surrounded by people who are very similar to us, it can sometimes be a challenge to develop empathy for others who might not be as similar to us. Any thoughts or advice?
My empathy has been shaped by a mix of personal experiences, my upbringing, and my journey through art. Growing up in China and later moving to the United States allowed me to experience different cultures and ways of expressing emotions. The contrast between these two worlds deepened my understanding of human connection and the subtleties of emotional expression.
Studying art therapy during my undergraduate school was pivotal in developing my empathy. It taught me how art can be a powerful tool for emotional expression and healing. More than that, it sparked a deep curiosity about human emotions. I learned to truly listen to people’s stories and use creativity as a bridge to connect with their feelings. It’s not just about creating art for aesthetics; it’s about creating a safe and trusted space for people to express their deepest thoughts and emotions.
In my artistic work, I focus on sensory experiences and emotional resonance, blending sight, sound, and touch. When designing jewelry, I’m always thinking about how the audience and wearer will emotionally interact with the piece—how it might stir memories or evoke feelings, and how it can help them connect to a deeper sense of self. This constant focus on conveying emotion through art has helped me understand the power of emotional connection and deepened my ability to empathize with others.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a jewelry artist, my journey has been one of self-discovery, with my background in art therapy and a deep connection to human emotions shaping the work I create today. I have always believed that jewelry is more than just an accessory; it can serve as a channel for storytelling, self-reflection, and emotional communication.
Through my series Sensory Connection, I explore the emotional resonance that sight, sound, and touch can evoke. Using techniques like CAD modeling and 3D printing, I transform abstract sounds into tangible, wearable objects. Each piece in this series carries an emotional essence, whether it’s a melody, rhythm, or sound from nature. These sounds are transformed into visual and tactile forms that engage the wearer’s senses, allowing them to connect with their own emotional journey.
What excites me most about this work is how jewelry can serve as a tool for deeper connection—both with oneself and with others. It’s remarkable how an object that rests so close to the skin can have such a profound emotional impact. It’s about creating an intimate relationship between the wearer and the piece. The jewelry becomes a mirror that reflects emotions that are difficult to express in words, fostering introspection, empathy, and connection.
At this stage in my journey, I am intentionally slowing my pace. I’m dedicating more time to experiencing life in a deeper way—whether through meditation or simply taking time to reflect and absorb the world around me. This period of introspection is allowing me to gather the inspiration and energy needed for future projects. The space I’m giving myself right now is essential for creating pieces that will resonate more profoundly with both myself and others. I’m excited to share these future works when the time feels right!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Interdisciplinary thinking: I’m constantly inspired by the blending of different fields—art, psychology, mathematics, and philosophy. The ability to move beyond boundaries and merge diverse perspectives has led me to some of unique discoveries and insights. For those just starting out, my advice is to stay open to exploring a variety of areas. Don’t box yourself into one discipline. Whether through books, experiences, or conversations, expand your horizons and let new ideas connect in ways you might not expect.
Technology Adaptability: I’ve come to realize how important it is to open to new tools and techniques. Embracing mediums like 3D printing has really expanded the possibilities for my work. I believe in diving into new technologies and materials, even when they seem intimidating. When I first started working with CAD software and 3D printing, I faced plenty of challenges and setbacks. But the more I explored, the more confident I became. It taught me that I don’t need to master everything all at once; the key is to keep experimenting and not be afraid to make mistakes along the way.
Patience and Reflection: Slowing down and taking the time to really observe life makes a huge difference. It’s not always easy to step back, but allowing myself the space to reflect and absorb my experiences without rushing to the next thing is incredibly beneficial. For me, it’s about connecting more deeply with the present moment, whether it’s through a moment of quiet or just taking the time to process emotions and inspiration. This practice has helped me find clarity and inspiration in ways I couldn’t have anticipated when I was moving so fast. It’s definitely something I want to continue to prioritize as I move forward.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I have previously collaborated with installation artists and textile designers to create kinetic jewelry, and one of the most memorable pieces is Thumps. It is inspired by the physical sensation of swelling nerves when the heartbeat is accelerated and tension is high. The piece takes a modular form and is covered with spikes, as if the nerves are about to burst through the skin. As it beats rhythmically, it creates a visceral energy connection between the viewer and the wearer. When worn, the piece is almost intimately connected to the body, extending this tension and excitement into the wearer’s physical experience.
That collaboration made me realize how jewelry can be more than a static object—it can be interactive, immersive, and even unsettling in a thought-provoking way. It sparked my curiosity about how jewelry interacts with the human body and movement, leading me to explore how it could exist in dynamic environments beyond traditional wear.
Looking forward, I’m eager to collaborate with fashion designers to develop techniques for 3D printing on fabric. The intersection of jewelry and fashion fascinates me, especially in the way jewelry can transform clothing into something sculptural and architectural. I want to push the boundaries of how materials interact—how lightweight structures can shift and flow with fabric, or how rigid forms can contrast against soft textiles. More than anything, I want to see my work come to life on the runway, where movement, lighting, and styling all come together to create a fully immersive experience. If you’re a designer or creative working in this space, I’d love to connect and explore what we can create together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jiashiyingjewelry.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiashiyingjosie/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jiashi-ying-722001182/
Image Credits
Photographers: Mengtong Yu, Chenxue Xia, Anqi Hu, Kaibo Yun
Model: Diya Shrotriya, Feng Lian, Chixuan Chen
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