We recently connected with Janice Shengyan Gu and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Janice Shengyan, thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

Conversations about my work often lead to misunderstandings due to the nuanced nature of my artistic practice. When I mention that I create jewelry art, people typically assume I design for high-end jewelry companies, overlooking the distinction between commercial jewelry and contemporary jewelry art.

And I would explain to them what is “contemporary jewelry”:
“Oh my work is more about the conceptual, fine art. Jewelry is just a form of that.”
“Oh i see, so you are an artist, where do you work?”
“…I work for commericial jewelry company.”

Balancing between commercial and fine art is an ongoing learning process for me, especially coming from an academic background. It’s tricky to maintain artistic integrity while meeting commercial demands. After graduation, I’ve been learning to define clear boundaries between my commercial work and fine art practice.

Janice Shengyan, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Janice Shengyan Gu, a jewelry and multi-media artist originally from China and currently living in New York City. My journey into the world of wearable art began in high school and continued at the Rhode Island School of Design, where I studied Jewelry + Metalsmithing. When creating, I aim to imbue my pieces with a sense of fluidity and growth. Moving between realities—from the tangible to the imagined, from dreams to deep contemplation—the journey itself becomes a central theme in my work. I’m fascinated by the elusive nature of transition, drawing parallels between physical movement and mental exploration.

While I’ve worked in the fashion jewelry industry as a designer assistant and freelance jewelry designer, my approach towards contemporary jewelry and fashion jewelry is different. In a world driven by fast trends, I try to find a balance between being creative and making pieces that people connect with. I want my jewelry to be more than just pretty; I want it to make people think. Each piece tells its own story, inviting viewers to look beyond the surface.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a deeper personal goal rather than mere artistic pursuits. It serves as a life practice aimed at fostering consciousness and reflection. If I weren’t an artist, I would still maintain this practice, but being part of the artistic community enriches and amplifies this endeavor.

Throughout the pandemic, I delved into projects reflecting on themes of separation and reunion, exploring the enduring dichotomies of interior and exterior experiences. Similarly, during a period of personal anxiety in my final year of college, I delved into the intricate relationship between mind and body, linking my personal experience towards the research on Chinese Daoist philosophy and western psychology to create the “Tunnel Dream” project. This project serves as a continuous exploration of the transformative power of transition.

Through projects like “Tunnel Dream,” I bridge perspectives from Daoism and Western psychology, delving into the interconnectedness of mind, body, and external worlds. Inspired by my own experiences of moving between cultures and states of consciousness, I aim to capture the essence of transitional spaces in my jewelry. These spaces represent more than mere physical or mental transitions; they embody the fluidity of human existence and the potential for continuous growth and self-discovery. By incorporating the concept of qi and embracing the fluidity of transitional space, I aim to create jewelry that not only adorns but also serves as a catalyst for self-reflection and personal evolution.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The rewards of being an artist are multifaceted, they feels more like scattered stars to me. From witnessing the transformation of abstract ideas into tangible creations, to the discoveries of materiality during the fabrication process, each moment holds its own significance. Sometimes it’s about receiving validation from individuals who resonate with my art, or collaborating with friends to nurture collective ideas, and sometimes it’s finding resonnation or inspiration in the work of fellow artists. It’s not about specific accolades but rather the continual excitement of discovery and evolution inherent in the artistic journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: janicegu.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jncgsy/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/janicegu

Image Credits
Yanru He