Zihan Sarah Shao
Drawing inspiration from the life cycle of plants—beginning with the seed as a metaphor for origin—the collection uses settled shapes to express the outward flow of energy present in both plant growth and the human body. Each piece in the collection carries the symbolic and visual essence of plants that held special meaning in my relationship with my grandparents. These motifs are developed through a combination of archival family materials, botanical research, and visual studies of seasonal plant forms.
"When I was little, my grandma and I planted a Chinese rose together in her garden. She told me it was called China rose, a flower that blooms year-round, symbolizing resilience and beauty. I picked the pink one, my favorite color, and carefully patted the soil with my tiny hands as she guided me. We laughed as the wind tousled my hair, and I felt so proud of the flower we planted together."
"During the summer, my grandfather used to tell me stories in the garden. As we sat together under the sunset, he shared its Feng Shui meaning with me about the Ti Plant. He said it symbolized good luck and protection, often planted to ward off bad energy. I listened intently, fascinated by his wisdom, as the vibrant red leaves swayed gently in the breeze. That day, the garden felt even more magical under his storytelling."
"One day, as we looked at different plants in the garden, my grandfather explained the Tree Philodendron’s special connection to our city. He told me it thrives only in warm, humid climates, just like ours, which is why it’s so commonly seen here. “It’s a symbol of our city’s unique character,” he said with pride. I felt a newfound appreciation for the plant and the place we called home."
"My grandma loved the Umbrella plant in our garden, not just for its lush green leaves but for its healing properties. She would often gather the leaves and roots, carefully boiling them to make herbal teas. I’d sit beside her, watching as she explained their medicinal benefits with a warm smile. Those moments felt like a blend of wisdom, love, and the soothing aroma of nature."
Bio
Zihan Shao’s journey from Nanjing, China, to Waterbury, Connecticut, during high school has profoundly shaped her creative outlook. Growing up between cultures, she developed a sensitivity to the subtleties of local traditions, materials, and aesthetics, which now informs her thoughtful and cross-cultural approach to design.
Deeply rooted in her passion for nature, Zihan draws inspiration from organic forms, quiet details in the environment, everyday objects, and traditional techniques from diverse cultures. Her work explores how jewelry can hold memory, emotion, and presence, transforming natural impressions into tactile, wearable pieces. Her design philosophy centers on creating intimate experiences through adornment, where each piece not only interacts with the body but also responds to the space around it. Through a careful interplay of form, texture, and materiality, she strives to find a balance between minimalism and poetic, playful detail.