We were lucky to catch up with Chufei Yang recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Chufei, thanks for joining us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?

I once created a group of art jewelry and sculptures made from eggshells for a short-term exhibition. These pieces were fragile but held deep symbolic meaning. During the exhibition, the staff took extra care to secure the works with museum wax and clearly placed “no touching” signs throughout the space. However, towards the end of the exhibition, I was informed that one of the jewelry pieces had been damaged due to a visitor’s accidental touch.

At that moment, I felt a wave of mixed emotions—shock and anxiety, especially because the fragile eggshell material required meticulous attention. Despite these feelings, I quickly regained my composure and decided to repair the piece myself. Since I knew every detail of the work intimately, I carefully examined the damaged area and used the appropriate tools and materials for the restoration. The process tested both my technical skills and my patience in managing an unexpected challenge.

This experience not only gave me a deep understanding of the importance of being prepared for the unexpected during an exhibition but also a greater appreciation for the fragility of materials. This subtly resonated with the theme of my work, which explores fragility and resilience. Moreover, this challenge has led me to pay closer attention to how my pieces are presented and protected in future exhibitions. It reminded me that as an artist, accidents are an inevitable part of the creative process, and how I learn and grow from them is key to advancing my practice.

Chufei, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am the founder of the jewelry brand CHUFEI and a jewelry artist. My passion for the jewelry design industry began even before completing my MFA. My creations often explore non-traditional forms and designs, offering new interpretations of traditional elements. However, my goal is not merely to be unique or to prioritize a specific process or material. What distinguishes my work is my commitment to bridging the gap between art and commerce. Through my designs, I aim to challenge conventional perceptions of jewelry while ensuring its practicality for everyday wear.

I am proud to have collaborated with photographers and fashion designers, creating pieces that go beyond decoration for daily life. I believe that jewelry serves as a bridge of communication and connection, allowing the wearer to express their attitude and personality.

For me, creation is about more than just the jewelry itself—it reflects an entire cultural system. I want my audience to see the bigger picture, whether through cross-disciplinary collaborations or the evolution of my designs into other realms. Ultimately, I hope my work inspires others to explore their own self-expression while engaging in a broader dialogue about art, design, and personal identity.

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

The goal of my creative journey is to build a distinctive brand culture that creates jewelry fostering meaningful connections and communication between people. I believe jewelry is not merely an accessory but a powerful medium for individuals to express their identity, values, and emotions. By exploring how jewelry can transcend its traditional decorative function and evolve into a cultural symbol, I have found my mission as a creator. This concept drives me to collaborate with photographers, fashion designers, and other artists across different disciplines, with the aim of creating not just beautiful pieces but meaningful stories that build deeper connections between people.

My goal is not only to establish a unique brand culture but also to create works that bring people together and allow them to connect on a deeper level. To me, jewelry is much more than an object we wear—it’s a tool for expressing identity, values, and emotions. Every piece holds the potential to tell a personal story, elevating jewelry beyond its traditional role as a decorative item.

It has become my mission to explore how jewelry can evolve into a cultural symbol—one that represents not only the wearer’s style but also the broader themes of individuality, connection, and shared experiences. This vision fuels my collaborations with photographers, fashion designers, and other creatives, where we aim to merge different perspectives and artistic forms. Through these partnerships, I strive to create not just visually striking pieces but also works that carry a narrative—jewelry that speaks to people on a deeper level, bridging personal and cultural stories, and encouraging reflection and dialogue.

Ultimately, I believe thoughtfully designed jewelry can serve as a conduit for communication, evoking emotions and sparking conversations that bring people closer. I want my work to inspire these connections, making each piece part of a larger cultural conversation about art, identity, and human interaction.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

As an artist and entrepreneur, balancing financial pressure and market demand has always been one of my biggest challenges. Especially in the early stages of my brand, I realized how difficult it was to stay true to my creative vision with limited resources. One pivotal experience was when I participated in an outdoor bazaar, which became a significant test and validation for my business.

At the time, I decided to bring a series of commercial jewelry pieces to the bazaar, rather than my more artistic works. While these pieces were more “marketable,” they still embodied my pursuit of design aesthetics and my reflections on the cultural significance of jewelry.

To my delight, the bazaar turned out to be far more successful than I had anticipated. Many visitors were drawn to my pieces, and the sales were very encouraging. This experience not only provided financial rewards but also reaffirmed my belief that commercial pieces can still be recognized by the market while maintaining a personal creative vision. It became clear to me that, whether in art or commerce, I must stay committed to expressing what I truly believe in. The success of the bazaar felt like market validation, showing me that self-expression can resonate with others.

This experience strengthened my determination to continue exploring the balance between art and commerce in jewelry. Despite the uncertainties and challenges that come with entrepreneurship, particularly under financial pressure, I remain convinced that staying true to my creative vision and maintaining a brand’s cultural uniqueness is essential to creating works with lasting impact and depth.

Contact Info:

• Website: chufeiyang.webflow.io & chufeiyang.com
• Instagram: frey.a.chufei
• Facebook: Chufei

Image Credits

Ryan Ko