Meet Hongmei Teng | Artist & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hongmei Teng and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hongmei, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
In 2016, Chinese artist Teng Teng came to New York. Shortly afterwards, she began to paint
on miniature metal picture frames of her own
design, and in the last five years thousands of
stories have been recorded through this unique
medium. In 2017, Teng Teng founded the Art to
Wear workshop, teaching others to paint their
own stories within these square inch frames.In
2020, Teng Teng officially started TIN TIN TINT, a
New York jewelry brand.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an artist and the founder of TIN TIN TINT, I am passionate about making art wearable and bringing the classic theme of the picture frame into the realm of jewelry. What sets TIN TIN TINT apart is our unique approach of incorporating miniature acrylic paintings within our jewelry pieces, breaking new ground in both art and traditional ornamentation.

From the very beginning of my career in New York City, I started mounting my own unique miniature paintings within custom-designed metal picture frames. This innovative technique allowed me to tell thousands of stories through this small canvas. In 2017, I founded the Art to Wear workshop, where I began teaching others to create their own narrative within these square inch frames.

In 2020, I officially launched TIN TIN TINT as a New York jewelry brand, further expanding my artistic vision and pushing boundaries in the jewelry field. I began stretching my imagination as a painter and started incorporating new materials such as pearls, diamonds, agates, and other rich materials into my artwork. This allowed me to “paint” and innovate within the jewelry industry, creating wearable art that is both visually captivating and meaningful.

Getting to where I am today professionally has been a journey filled with challenges and growth. It hasn’t always been easy, but overcoming those obstacles has been a significant part of my development as an artist. I have learned the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and continuously pushing the boundaries of my own creativity.

Through my artistic journey, I have come to realize that art is not confined to a canvas on a wall. It can be integrated into our everyday lives, becoming a personal and intimate expression of individual stories. TIN TIN TINT aims to bridge the gap between art and jewelry, allowing people to carry their own narratives and emotions with them in the form of wearable art.

What I want the world to know about TIN TIN TINT is that we are dedicated to bringing art to life through our jewelry pieces. Each creation is a culmination of passion, craftsmanship, and innovation. By wearing our pieces, individuals have the opportunity to showcase their own unique stories, experiences, and emotions in a truly distinctive and stylish way.

TIN TIN TINT is not just a jewelry brand; it is a celebration of artistic expression and a reflection of the beauty that can be found in the fusion of art and fashion. I am proud of how far I have come, and I am excited to continue pushing boundaries, inspiring others, and creating wearable art that resonates with people around the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting NYC for a week, I would make sure to show them the best time ever by taking them to some of the most exciting and interesting places in the city. Here’s a suggested itinerary for our week-long trip:

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

– After their arrival, we would start by exploring iconic neighborhoods like Manhattan’s Lower East Side and Greenwich Village. We would wander through the streets, stopping at local cafes, boutique shops, and street vendors.
– For dinner, we would try a trendy restaurant in the neighborhood, known for its fusion cuisine or unique dining experience.

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

– We would dedicate this day to immersing ourselves in NYC’s rich cultural scene. We would start by visiting renowned museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
– In the evening, we could catch a Broadway show or enjoy live music at a jazz club in Harlem.

Day 3: Iconic Landmarks

– Today, we would visit some of NYC’s most famous landmarks. We would start with a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, taking in the breathtaking views of the city skyline.
– We would then explore Central Park, rent bicycles or take a leisurely stroll through the park’s scenic paths, and perhaps enjoy a picnic in the park.

Day 4: Foodie Delights

– NYC is a food lover’s paradise, so we would spend this day indulging in its diverse culinary offerings. We could have a bagel breakfast in a local deli, sample international cuisine at a food market like Chelsea Market, and enjoy a gourmet dinner at a top-rated restaurant.

Day 5: Day Trip to the Outer Boroughs

– To add some variety, we would take a day trip to one of the outer boroughs. We could explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, visit the historic sites of Queens, or enjoy the cultural diversity of the Bronx.

Day 6: Hidden Gems and Local Hangouts

– Today, we would discover some of NYC’s hidden gems and local hangouts. We could explore unique neighborhoods like DUMBO in Brooklyn, visit independent art galleries in Chelsea, or go vintage shopping in the East Village.
– In the evening, we might head to a rooftop bar to enjoy panoramic views of the city while sipping cocktails.

Day 7: Farewell and Relaxation

– On the last day, we would take it easy and enjoy some relaxation. We could take a scenic ferry ride to Staten Island to see the Statue of Liberty up close.
– We would end the trip with a leisurely walk along the High Line, an elevated park with stunning views of the city and beautiful greenery.

Throughout the week, I would also suggest trying popular street food like hot dogs and pretzels, grabbing coffee at cozy cafes, and exploring local markets like Union Square Greenmarket or Smorgasburg. These experiences would provide a taste of the vibrant and diverse culture that NYC has to offer.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
As an artist, there are several individuals and sources of inspiration that deserve a shoutout and credit in my artistic journey.

First and foremost, I want to dedicate my shoutout to my family and friends who have always supported and encouraged me to pursue my passion for mini painting. Their unwavering belief in my abilities and their constant motivation have played a crucial role in shaping my artistic career.

Additionally, I want to give credit to the numerous art books and resources that have fueled my creativity and provided guidance in my artistic journey. From instructional books on techniques and color theory to coffee table books showcasing stunning miniatures, each publication has contributed to my artistic development.

Last but not least, I want to express my gratitude to my patrons and collectors. Their support and appreciation for my work have given me the confidence to continue pushing my artistic boundaries. Their belief in my talent and their willingness to invest in my art have been instrumental in allowing me to pursue my passion on a professional level.

Website: https://www.tengteng.design/

Instagram: tengtengtttt

Image Credits
David Brandon Geeting