Meet Ziyan Wang | Interdisciplinary Designer

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

Hi Ziyan, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
Reflecting on our journey with House of Wando(a FURNITURExILLSTRATION design duel launched by me and my twin sister Cara Wang in 2020), the decision of whether to keep going or to give up has been a profound and ongoing contemplation. When my twin sister and I first embarked on this venture, fueled by the success of our illustrated decorative home goods that reflects on our shared Cantonese heritage, we were filled with enthusiasm and determination. However, despite the attention garnered on social media, we encountered a significant disconnect between online interest and actual business success. Our crafted objects, intended to infuse warmth and delight into homes, were met with hesitation from potential buyers due to concerns about functionality and suitability for daily use. This realization forced us to reassess our approach and confront the crossroads we found ourselves at. While we deeply valued the aesthetic aspects of our creations, we also recognized the importance of functionality in the objects we created. After much thinking, I found myself drawn back to the roots of home, where the touch of woven bamboo mats and the sight of colorful natural-dyed cloths evoke memories of vernacular objects and the timeless traditions of craftsmanship. It became evident to me that I didn’t want to abandon the language of House of Wando but rather to enrich it by learning from the ways our ancestors imbued functionality with beauty. To broaden my horizon, I started seeking inspirations from the crafts of weaving, natural dye and quilting, and went for opportunities such as artist workshops and residencies, following experienced craftsmen in these fields who seamlessly integrated aesthetics with functionality through their works. This journey of exploration led to my senior degree project in the Rhode Island School of Design, Indigo as Language, where I not only explored surface design through natural dyes but also continued my collaboration with my sister in a totally new lens. As artists, we are in a perpetual state of growth and discovery. While the path may be challenging and filled with uncertainties, the passion and motivation to create something meaningful and impactful keep us moving forward. So, to answer the question of whether to keep going or to give up, I believe that our journey with House of Wando is not about abandoning ship but rather about embracing the opportunity to evolve, learn, and adapt our craft to create objects that resonate deeply with both our heritage and our vision for the future.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am Ziyan Wang (Mia), a production/collection furniture designer. Blending craft and narrative is at the heart of my creative process. I’m passionate about sharing my cultural and historical identity as a Chinese designer within the global design sphere. I draw inspiration from a myriad of sources, including rituals, traditional arts and crafts techniques, as well as both personal and collective memories. Through my work, I strive to craft functional yet deeply artistic pieces that forge emotional connections between people and the spaces they inhabit.

Born in Guangzhou, China, I grew up within this metropolitan’s dual identities of modernity and tradition. Ever since I was little, I have been fascinated with the nature of the urban environment that surrounded me and captured my observations by doodles and illustrations. In 2016, I left home and came to the US to pursue art. The pieces of memories and the impression of southern China from my childhood have always stayed and influenced my artistic language. During my studies in the Rhode Island School of Design, I majored in Furniture Design and Manufacturing, where I was trained systematically in woodworking, metalworking, and multimedia manufacturing. Professionally, my design works have been exhibited in the RISD Museum, the Rhode Island Design Week, and the Milan Design Week(Salone de Mobile). I have also worked as a display designer for events, trade shows and retail for clients including Swarovski, Sage & Sound, UPPAbaby, Cannondale, Sally’s Apizza and Wills Group Splash In.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The first recommendation of an interesting spot to see in LA that comes into my mind is my favorite Melrose Hill. It is a burgeoning art and design hub with plenty of artsy and fun things to do. You may take a stroll along Melrose Avenue and explore the numerous art galleries and studios showcasing works by local and international artists. My favorite gallery from UK, Gallery FUMI, is doing a 6-week exhibition in the SIZED STUDIO in Melrose Hill. Check them out! You can also take a look the vintage shops and boutiques along Melrose Avenue. From retro clothing to ANTIQUE FURNITURE, you’ll find unique treasures and one-of-a-kind pieces to add to your collection. There are also many artisanal cafés and eateries to check out in this neighborhood. I really like M Café. It is a casual eatery serving many healthy, plant-based dishes inspired by Japanese and California cuisine that may refresh and light up your day!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my twin sister, Ziruo Wang(Cara). She’s my best friend, confidante, and creative partner. Together, we’ve embarked on many journeys of life and artistic exploration, shaping our shared vision into reality through our design studio, House of Wando. From rowing up side by side in the tropical city of Guangzhou, China, to studying and working abroad right now in the US, we have developed a unique bond rooted in shared experiences. In our most recent design collaboration, the Sky of Fangcao Street, we made an illustrated console in memory of their childhood and the places that live deeply in memories as we undergo tremendous changes in life. On the surface of the console that I constructed, Cara painted the Fangcao Street in Guangzhou, including the old buildings with stores on the first floor and residential apartments on the second, the tropical trees with fruits, birds and clouds in the sky and the Wang sisters (Cara and Mia) flying by in a little airplane.
It is moments like this that makes me know that her creativity can breathe life into our projects, infusing them with depth, emotion, and beauty. Although encountering many struggles in the past with the survival of this studio, I never gave up trying to bring it back to life every time, because I know that with her, our creativity has no bounds.
So, to my twin sister, thank you for being my constant source of inspiration, motivation, and strength. This journey wouldn’t be half as meaningful or rewarding without you by my side, and I’m endlessly grateful for your love, support, and unwavering commitment to our shared vision.

Website: https://issuu.com/ziyanwangmia/docs/mia_wang_furniture_design_portfolio_2023

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miawang_zy/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mia-wang-8587aa252/