Liaung-Chung Yen was born and raised in Taiwan. His jewelry and artistic aesthetic are influenced by Chinese art and culture. Using 18k gold, sterling silver, and precious stones, Liaung creates work that is notable for its delicacy, rhythm, geometry, and sculptural qualities. The unique forms of his jewelry are inspired by the natural landscape, plants, and minerals.

“I like to see my jewelry/work as expressions of art and capable of communicating on the level of a poem.”

Liaung-Chung Yen is the recipient of numerous awards including MJSA Vision Awards, the New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship, and a NICHE Award. His work is part of the teaching collection of the Museum of Contemporary Craft in Portland, Oregon and the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design in Oslo, Norway. He is currently a Visiting Professor in Metal and Jewelry at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Artist Statement

I like to use geometric shapes, architectural elements and hollow construction forms to interpret nature. In result, the work is separated into two directions. One is toward plants, flowers, gardens and the other is rocks, minerals and landscapes. The wire structures and hollow construction forms require countless soldering process, creating strength and durability in what appears to be a fragile and delicate art jewelry piece. I try to create images in my work that will tell stories and express emotions. The materials that I used are mostly 18k gold, sterling silver and precious stones. The techniques include fabrication, forming, fusing, soldering and stone setting.