We recently connected with Yuxiao Zhu and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Yuxiao, thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
My journey of learning has been a blend of formal education and self-exploration. From a young age, I trained in academic painting, which provided a solid foundation in fine art forms. During my master’s studies, I explored the potential of mixed media, focusing on metalwork and wearable art. Techniques like press forming, soldering, casting and hand-painting became essential tools to express ideas beyond the limits of a single medium.
Looking back, I would have sought mentorships earlier, as learning directly from experienced artists could have helped me avoid technical pitfalls and better balance artistic vision with practical goals. I also learned that mistakes are an essential part of growth—they pushed me to experiment and refine my skills.
The biggest challenge was trusting my voice. As an emerging artist in a competitive field, I often doubted my perspective. Over time, I came to see that my cultural duality was not a limitation but a unique strength, shaping my work and its narratives.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m an artist, jewelry designer, and illustrator working across mixed media, wearable art, and contemporary jewelry. My creative journey began with a childhood passion for drawing, nurturing dreams of one day making art my profession. I feel incredibly fortunate to have studied at renowned art academies, where I explored both traditional painting and modern art design. While my early education broadened my artistic horizons, my master’s degree in the UK deepened my understanding and gave me the opportunity to combine traditional metalworking techniques with contemporary materials—an approach that continues to shape my practice today.
My work doesn’t adhere to a single theme; rather, I find inspiration in diverse topics such as spirituality, life cycles, absurdity, philosophy, cultural duality, and even lighthearted moments of humor. Through wearable art and sculptures, I aim to create pieces that invite introspection and meaningful dialogue. For example, my “Theatre of Life” series transforms abstract concepts like birth, death, and spiritual connection into tangible designs such as sculptural rings, brooches, and earrings. My process usually begins with crafting the metal components, followed by carefully hand-painting their surfaces with various paints, including spray paint, acrylic, and glass pigments. Among these, the most unconventional yet personally meaningful medium is gel nail polish.
My interest in gel nail polish emerged after reading The Managed Hand by Miliann Kang. The book explores the experiences of Korean women in the nail salon industry, highlighting their challenges with cultural identity, gender roles, and labor struggles. It prompted me to reflect on my position as an East Asian “outsider” and the ways I navigate cultural intersections. Using nail polish gel as a material has since become a way for me to symbolically bridge my Eastern heritage and Western context, adding a layer of narrative to my work that resonates with my exploration of identity in a globalized world.
I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities to share my work across different cultures. Participating in exhibitions such as London’s New Designers 2024 and IX Muestra Orfebrería Contemporánea Madrid 2025, as well as receiving recognition through awards like the Boomer Gallery Art Prize, has been both humbling and motivating.
Currently, I am also collaborating with a close friend to launch a small fashion “adornment” brand. Our aim is to create playful, unconventional designs that reflect our shared fascination with “strange” beauty—pieces that invite curiosity and challenge traditional notions of fashion accessories.
What I hope distinguishes my work is its grounding in cultural intersections and a willingness to embrace diverse influences. By combining innovative craftsmanship with meaningful narratives, I aim to create art that fosters curiosity and dialogue. Whether through custom commissions or exhibition pieces, my ultimate goal is to create connections that transcend cultural and emotional boundaries.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Throughout my creative journey, I’ve come to understand the impact of the “information gap.” For example, in the UK, organizations like the Arts Council England and the Craft Council offer grants, mentorships, and exhibition opportunities. Their systems are transparent and resourceful, but as an international student, I initially struggled to navigate the cultural expectations, language barriers, and application processes.
Looking back, I wish I had known earlier about workshops on exhibition planning, funding applications, or strategies for showcasing and commercializing art. These resources felt elusive when I first started, and the missed opportunities taught me the importance of actively seeking information and building a network. Now, I’m passionate about sharing what I’ve learned to help others bridge this gap, so more creatives can unlock their full potential.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most valuable aspect of being an artist is having the courage to act on ideas that may seem fleeting, impractical, or even pointless at first. Many people have odd, whimsical, or imaginative thoughts, but often they dismiss them as irrelevant. As an artist, I choose to nurture these ideas and transform them into something tangible, even if there’s no guarantee of success or financial reward.
This process requires commitment and heart—pouring time and energy into concepts that others might overlook. Not every idea will work out, but the act of creating itself is meaningful. It’s about taking those “what if” moments and giving them life, whether they lead to failure, growth, or connection. For me, the beauty of being an artist lies in this risk and dedication—turning intangible thoughts into a reality that resonates with others.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: xiaoxiao_yu2
Image Credits
Yuxiao Zhu (artist)
Yuxiao Zhu, Yusi Wang(photographer)