Today we’d like to introduce you to YuJei Yen.

Hi YuJei, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I am a New York-based textile artist and an MFA Textiles graduate from Parsons at The New School. My passion for crafting began in childhood, sitting beside my mother as she taught me crochet. I vividly remember the soothing rhythm of her hands, the room filled with quiet focus as each stitch came to life. That simple joy has stayed with me ever since, leading me to explore textiles more deeply through both my studies and my career.
One of the most inspiring stories I’ve encountered is from an indigenous tribe in Taiwan, where women dedicate their lives to weaving a single textile panel to pass on to their legacy. This tradition resonates with me, as I see each piece of my work as more than just a creation—it’s a vessel for energy, meaning, and connection.
Now, I work as a knitwear designer at Oscar de la Renta, blending my technical expertise with my passion for storytelling through textiles. My journey has been about honoring the past, embracing the present, and continually crafting something meaningful for the future.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

It has not been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped me into who I am today. My journey has been anything but smooth, especially as I navigate the dual roles of a textile artist and a knitwear designer. Balancing these identities often feels like walking a tightrope—on one side, the freedom to create art purely for expression, and on the other, the discipline of designing for a prestigious fashion house.
One of my biggest challenges has been reconciling my deep connection to handmade, slow-crafted textiles with the fast-paced demands of the fashion industry. I remember a time when I spent weeks perfecting a crocheted sculpture for an exhibition, only to find myself needing to switch gears immediately to meet tight deadlines at work. The constant shift between these worlds can be exhausting, but it has taught me the value of adaptability.
Rather than seeing these two paths as conflicting, I’ve learned to let them inform each other. My work as a knitwear designer sharpens my technical skills, while my artistic practice keeps me connected to my roots and reminds me of the bigger stories I want to tell. Every challenge along the way has helped me grow, not just as a professional, but as someone who seeks to create meaning in all that I do.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I am a textile artist and knitwear designer, specializing in handmade fiber craftsmanship, particularly crochet. My work bridges the worlds of traditional craft and modern innovation. While my technical foundation comes from a deep understanding of textile science, I focus on creating large-scale soft sculptures that weave together elements of cultural heritage, personal identity, and modern art.

What sets me apart is my unique approach to blending ancient textile-making techniques with contemporary technology. For instance, I have developed a method that incorporates fire to burn and texture the fibers, adding depth and color shifts that are visually striking and meaningful. I also experiment with projection mapping, which brings a new dimension to my crochet sculptures, pushing the boundaries of what crochet can be as an art form.

One of the things I am most proud of is the way my work reflects the complexities of identity, especially in the context of my Taiwanese heritage. The ongoing political tensions between Taiwan and China are a source of personal reflection and creative inspiration, and my pieces often explore the space between these differing national identities. I hope my work resonates with others who feel a deep connection to their own cultural stories, as well as those who seek a more profound understanding of what it means to belong, to create, and to heal.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?

My artistic inspiration often comes from observing everyday life, especially the energy and style of women in New York City. I also find immense inspiration in visiting museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Every visit feels like a journey, uncovering new ideas and historical narratives that influence my work.

Philosophically, I draw inspiration from Rumi’s words: ‘Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right-doing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there.’ This quote reminds me of the power of reconciliation and coexistence, which I strive to express in my art. I am also deeply influenced by the principles of Laozi, particularly his concept of wu wei—non-action or effortless action—which encourages allowing things to unfold naturally and finding harmony in the balance of opposing forces. This idea resonates with my creative philosophy, as I aim to express both tradition and innovation in a harmonious, flowing way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yujeiyen_textile/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yujeiyen/

Image Credits

SOTU/ Photographer: Kuan Hsieh

Open Studio/ Photographer: Jason Philip Greenberg

Group Show & TAAC/ Photographer: Casey Wang