Yiyu's journey into jewellery making began with her passion for precision and calculation. Captivated by the nuanced language of craftsmanship, she considers the creative process essential to the meaning of her work. Each piece becomes a dialogue between concept and technique, where the act of making enriches the final expression. She believes that the depth of an artwork is not confined to its visual appeal but is deeply rooted in the meticulous steps involved in its creation.

Yiyu Cao, a contemporary jewellery maker celebrated for her playful yet dry-humoured style, is currently pursuing her BFA at RISD. Growing up in China, her experiences of navigating between urban centres and rural landscapes have shaped her unique perspective on the world, igniting a lifelong fascination with the interplay of spaces, structures, and environments. This exploration of contrasts and connections within her surroundings inspires her work, which delves into the intricate relationship between individuals and their physical contexts—a theme central to her artistic practice.

To expand the expressive potential of her jewellery, Yiyu actively experiments with various materials and techniques, incorporating elements such as biomaterials, traditional lacquering, and photography. This innovative approach adds layers of narrative and texture to her pieces, imbuing them with a vivid and multifaceted character.

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Yiyu’s work investigates how overlooked structures shape individuals and their surroundings. By manipulating and reassembling found objects, she creates a delicate balance of familiarity and strangeness, directness and subtlety, inviting reflection on the deeper connections between society, space, and identity. Through transforming elements of infrastructure into wearable art, Yiyu explores themes of value, worth, and expectation, questioning how these systems shape both personal and collective perceptions.

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Growing up in a constantly shifting environment shaped her detached view of her surroundings, unbound by nostalgia. Early encounters with the societal expectations of her conservative hometown sparked her curiosity and set her on a path as an artist. Initially focused on human relationships, her work gradually shifted to explore how people interact with their environments. She draws inspiration from urban structures, viewing them as metaphors for the societal boundaries that influence human interaction and identity.