Technically Fancy Toys
Naiqi Wang
Naiqi Wang is a jewelry designer currently residing in Brooklyn, New York. Born in Beijing, China, Naiqi made the decision to move to the United States by herself at only the mere age of 14. This was where she discovered the world of art through her educators in high school and later in university at Pratt Institute. Nancy gathers her inspiration from her eight years of education abroad which pushed her to think introspectively about her childhood; specifically through toys. Children’s toys create safe spaces and try to emulate this feeling through her pieces. She channels connections from her childhood friends, family, and emotions. Her work consists of geometric structures with delicate mechanisms as she focuses on the simplicity within her pieces. Her pieces typically include semi-precious gemstones and silver which she builds up the structures by hand instead of casting. In 2020, she was selected for the “Future 50” by SNAG
Artist Statement
I draw inspiration from the toys of my youth as they played an essential role in my childhood and upbringing. They carried certain pleasures that adults may not typically understand. As I grew up, these memories and the simple happiness they embodied gradually faded. Nothing, however, can replace the reminiscences and safety that I felt with my childhood toys. In my collection, TFT, I let them reappear as jewelry while keeping their playability.
At the core of my work, various types of hinges and connections allow the wearer to interact with the piece while giving each piece strength and flexibility. Each creation can also stand alone as a sculpture. The basis for my work is for the construction of my pieces. Silver is my material of choice. It’s like my connection with my family, ordinary but unbreakable. I encourage viewers to pay close attention to the details within my jewelry, as I typically hide secrets in the designs. The hidden gemstones and use of hinges symbolize the love that many Asian families do not express directly, but implicitly.
At the core of my work, various types of hinges and connections allow the wearer to interact with the piece while giving each piece strength and flexibility. Each creation can also stand alone as a sculpture. The basis for my work is for the construction of my pieces. Silver is my material of choice. It’s like my connection with my family, ordinary but unbreakable. I encourage viewers to pay close attention to the details within my jewelry, as I typically hide secrets in the designs. The hidden gemstones and use of hinges symbolize the love that many Asian families do not express directly, but implicitly.