Shu Wang: Reimagining Domestic Objects

1.      Please tell us something about your background and your art/design journey so far.

My path into design began with a deep-rooted love for craft and making, which took shape through formal training in industrial design at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Those formative years gave me a strong, traditional foundation—one where design was viewed primarily as a means to solve defined problems. Over time, I began to feel the boundaries of this problem-solving framework, and it sparked a desire to explore the more interpretive, open-ended possibilities of design.

After working professionally as a packaging structure designer, I turned my attention toward objects and furniture that dissolve the conventional divide between art and design. This shift led me to the Cranbrook Academy of Art, where I recently earned my MFA in 3D Design. Today, my practice is dedicated to reimagining domestic objects as open-ended systems—pieces that invite interaction, interpretation, and personal storytelling.

2.      Can you tell us more about the theme in your art and your inspiration?

My work revolves around the relationship between humans and objects in domestic environments. I’m inspired by overlooked everyday gestures—how we toss a jacket over a chair, arrange a table, or let objects accumulate over time. By abstracting these moments, I create open-ended systems that encourage users to become co-creators, blurring the line between function and expression.

3.      How does your art life impact other parts of your life?

It's made me more attentive to the world around me. I notice and appreciate things others might overlook—a shadow cast across a wall, a fillet edge on a staircase,an oddly elegant slump of a half-melted candle. This sensitivity shapes not only my work but also how I move through life, making me more present and observant.

Textile designed by Rachael Cox

4.      Could you share any difficulties and hardships you had to face in life and how or if you managed/overcame them?

One challenge has been navigating the grey space between art and design. It can be difficult to fit into traditional categories—some expect my work to be purely functional, others expect it to be entirely conceptual. Early in my life, I felt pressure to “choose” one lane, but over time I’ve embraced this in-between as my strength.

5.      What practical advice can you give to fellow artists?

Stay open-minded, and document your work well—it’s as important as making the work itself.

6.      Is the artist life lonely? Please share your thoughts and experiences.

It can be solitary, especially during long fabrication or research phases, but I don’t see that as negative. Those quiet moments are when ideas take root. Collaborations, critiques, and exhibitions balance the solitude with community and dialogue.

Website: https://wshu.design/

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