10 Questions with Jessica Guo

Jessica Guo is a multidisciplinary designer and artist from Hainan Island, now based in Brooklyn, New York. She has lived in Guangzhou and Seattle, which has influenced her diverse background.

Jessica specializes in the intersection of experience design, visual design, and space design. She has worked at IDEO, 2x4, TikTok, Gensler, Neri & Hu Design and Research Office, and New York University. Currently, she is the founder of Mud Silk Studios, a women-led design studio that blends ancient Chinese craftsmanship with modern elegance to create sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle products.

Jessica is also an award-winning photographer and designer. Her work has been published on international sites such as Design Milk, Bazaar, Hypebeast, USA Today, and Vogue Italia, and has been exhibited at ICFF at NYC Design Week.

jessica-guo.com | @jessieloveslife_

ARTIST STATEMENT

Jessica Guo finds inspiration in the often-overlooked objects of everyday life, collecting and documenting items of mediocrity and triviality. Her work emphasizes the timeless elegance and enduring charm of these objects, creating a harmonious balance and peaceful moments. Through her photographs and illustrations, Jessica invites viewers to pause and appreciate the subtle interplay of daily life, capturing fleeting yet eternal snapshots of its essence.

As the founder of Mud Silk Studios, based between Brooklyn, NY, and Hainan Island, China, Jessica believes in a lifestyle that transcends fleeting trends. Mud Silk Studios is a women-led design studio that combines ancient Chinese craftsmanship with modern elegance. Jessica is dedicated to sustainability, concentrating on creating eco-friendly products that revive heritage techniques. Using eco-conscious mud silk, she aims to produce timeless, organic pieces. Beyond clothing, she champions a lifestyle of slow living, offering items designed to last and be cherished across generations. By emphasizing hand care for their products, Jessica advocates for mindful consumption and the enduring value of quality.

INTERVIEW

Can you tell us about your background and how your background prepared you to become a multidisciplinary artist/designer?

My journey into art and design began in my childhood during my family's apartment-hunting experiences. I was captivated by floor plan brochures and discovered my strong ability to visualize 3D spaces from 2D plans, sparking a lifelong passion. I began creating 3D paper houses for my dolls and sketching imaginative spaces in floor plans. By age eight, I had decided to become an interior designer.
My interests in drawing, colors, and practicing Chinese calligraphy from the age of six further fueled my creative aspirations. This early fascination with space and visual design led me to pursue an Interior Design degree from Pratt Institute and later a Master of Science degree in Integrated Digital Media from NYU. These academic experiences allowed me to fully immerse myself in multidisciplinary design.
As my interests and skills expanded into various design disciplines, such as experience design, visual design, and space design, it culminated in my current role as a multidisciplinary designer and founder of Mud Silk Studios in Brooklyn. At Mud Silk Studios, I blend ancient Chinese craftsmanship with contemporary elegance using multidisciplinary design techniques. This approach allows me to create holistic and culturally enriched works, drawing from diverse artistic traditions and modern innovations. My background has uniquely prepared me to be a multidisciplinary artist and designer, capable of creating meaningful and impactful designs that resonate globally.

You are originally from China but currently live in the US, and you have worked in both countries. How did working with companies in both countries help you evolve into the artist and designer you are today? Is there any experience in particular that helped you the most in your opinion? 

Working in both China and the US has profoundly shaped my artistic and design perspectives. In China, I immersed myself in traditional craftsmanship and heritage techniques, learning from artisans who have perfected their skills over generations. In the US, I engaged with innovative design practices, cutting-edge technology, and multidisciplinary collaborations, broadening my cultural and artistic horizons.
Participating in cross-cultural collaborations and projects, such as the Beijing Museum of Natural History and working with renowned Western design studios, allowed me to integrate traditional Chinese philosophy into contemporary spatial design. This integration extended beyond spatial and physical boundaries, influencing visual details, digital experiences, and branding.
Founding Mud Silk Studios enabled me to blend these diverse experiences, preserving cultural heritage while adapting it to modern contexts. Our products, ranging from garments to home decor, reflect this synthesis, as do our branding materials, including product brochures and campaign materials. This holistic approach has been instrumental in evolving my profession as a multidisciplinary designer and founder, bridging the gap between Chinese traditional and contemporary design and facilitating the continuation of traditional techniques into today and the future.

As you mention in your statement, you currently work at Mud Silk Studios, where you combine ancient Chinese craftsmanship with modern elegance. How did your past experiences influence your approach to this unique blend?

Growing up on Hainan Island and in Guangzhou, I was deeply influenced by Chinese traditional craftsmanship and heritage techniques, as well as by my family's background in fashion and music, which instilled in me a profound appreciation for traditional arts. At the same time, growing up in the digital age, I witnessed the decline of these crafts and felt a strong desire to preserve them. I believe the best way to preserve cultural traditions is by integrating them into daily life rather than confining them to museums.
My studies in Interior Design at Pratt Institute and Integrated Digital Media at NYU, along with my multidisciplinary design experience, equipped me to blend traditional techniques with modern design. This fusion transforms ancient crafts into unique pieces seamlessly integrated into everyday life, even for those unfamiliar with these traditions. At Mud Silk Studios, my team and I create garments, accessories, and home decor that require an understanding of materials, sustainability, fashion, graphics, space, and experience design. By embodying this unique blend and consideration in our designs, we make cultural heritage relevant and accessible to a global audience.

What is your creative process like, and how do you typically go from the first idea to the final product?

Our products range from garments to home decor to textile design. My creative process is a structured yet flexible journey involving several crucial stages to transform an initial idea into a final product. It begins with analyzing product sales data, conducting extensive market research, and gathering inspiration. I draw from a wide range of sources, including traditional Chinese craftsmanship, contemporary design trends, and sustainable practices. This phase helps me understand customer desires and pain points, much like user experience research and the traditional techniques and design elements I aim to incorporate.
Next, I move on to concept development, where I sketch initial ideas and create mood boards to visualize the project's direction. During this stage, I collaborate closely with my team to refine the concepts and explore various design elements. We consider the materials, sustainability aspects, and the overall aesthetic we want to achieve.
Once we have a clear concept, we proceed to prototyping. This involves creating sample products to test our ideas in a tangible form. Prototyping allows us to experiment with different materials, techniques, and finishes, ensuring that the final product meets our high standards of quality and craftsmanship.
After refining the prototypes, we move into the production phase. This stage involves detailed planning and coordination with artisans and manufacturers to ensure that every piece is crafted to perfection. Throughout this process, I maintain close communication with the production team to address any challenges and make necessary adjustments.
Finally, we focus on the finishing touches and quality control. Each product undergoes rigorous inspection to ensure it aligns with our design vision and meets our standards. We also work on the packaging and presentation, as well as visual and content design for our e-commerce platform, aiming to create a memorable unboxing experience for our customers and ensuring our multidisciplinary design approach is reflected throughout the product, branding, and marketing materials.
Throughout the entire process, from the first idea to the final product, our goal is to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design, making cultural heritage relevant and accessible in today's world.

How do you find inspiration in everyday objects, and what draws you to these often overlooked items?

I find inspiration in everyday objects by observing their forms, textures, and the stories they tell. Often, these items areoverlooked because they are so ingrained in our daily lives that we take them for granted. What draws me to these objects is their inherent simplicity and the hidden beauty that comes from their functionality and history.
I am fascinated by how everyday items can evoke memories, emotions, and a sense of nostalgia. For instance, a worn-out piece of fabric might tell a story of its past use, the hands that touched it, and the places it has been. These narratives inspire me to incorporate similar elements into my designs, giving new life to materials and techniques that might otherwise be forgotten.
My creative process often begins with collecting and documenting these mundane objects, whether it's a piece of old pottery, a vintage textile, or a uniquely shaped tool. I study their details, imagining how they can be reinterpreted and integrated into modern design. This approach helps me create products that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also rich in cultural significance and personal connection.
Ultimately, finding inspiration in everyday objects allows me to blend the old with the new, creating designs that resonate with people on a deeper level and making the ordinary extraordinary.

Can you elaborate on the specific heritage techniques you are reviving and how you incorporate them into your products?

At Mud Silk Studios, we are committed to reviving several heritage techniques, with a particular focus on the traditional Chinese craftsmanship of Xiangyun silk, also known as mud silk. This technique involves a meticulous and repetitive process where mulberry silk is dyed using natural plant extracts, coated with river mud, and then dyed under the sunshine. This cycle is repeated around 20 times, resulting in a unique, richly textured fabric that is both eco-friendly and durable, making each roll of mud silk rare and limited.
We have a long-term collaboration with fabric suppliers, sourcing only high-quality mud silk fabrics. We also work with these suppliers to create custom textile prints needed for our designs. Then, we work closely with skilled artisans and tailors with more than 30 years of experience to bring our designs to life.
Beyond Xiangyun silk, we also incorporate traditional embroidery and hand-weaving techniques. These methods are employed to add intricate details and patterns to our garments and home decor items. For instance, hand-embroidered motifs inspired by traditional Chinese art, such as peonies (牡丹), which symbolize prosperity and honor, and cranes (鹤), which represent longevity and peace, are used to embellish our silk scarves and cushion covers. These elements add a layer of cultural richness and craftsmanship to each piece.
Due to the rarity of each fabric, we also create small items such as patchwork handcrafted bags, napkins, and other accessories to maximize the use of these precious materials. Additionally, we offer these unique items as gifts to our returning customers, expressing our appreciation to those who are part of our journey and ensuring that no part of the fabric goes to waste.
By integrating these heritage techniques with modern design elements, our approach ensures that these ancient techniques are preserved and appreciated in contemporary contexts, making them relevant and accessible to a global audience. Through our designs, we aim to celebrate and sustain these valuable cultural practices, ensuring they continue to thrive for future generations.

How do you see the principles of slow living and mindful consumption fitting into today's fast-paced, trend-driven society?

In today's fast-paced, trend-driven society, the principles of slow living and mindful consumption offer a much-needed counterbalance. These principles emphasize quality over quantity, sustainability over disposability, and intentionality over impulsiveness. They encourage individuals to take a step back and appreciate the value of well-crafted, durable items that tell a story and have a lasting impact. We believe slow living and mindful consumption can seamlessly fit into contemporary life by encouraging more conscious decisions. This fosters a deeper appreciation for the items we use and the impact of our choices, promoting a balanced lifestyle that respects both the environment and cultural traditions.
At Mud Silk Studios, our multidisciplinary approach combines various aspects of design—experience, visual, and space design—to create products that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally superior and environmentally friendly, offering a sustainable alternative to fast fashion and mass production. We aim to inspire individuals to embrace these principles, helping shape a society that values the enduring over the ephemeral.

What do you think are the best practices for designers and customers regarding sustainability in fashion and lifestyle?

For designers, best practices include using eco-friendly materials, ethical production methods, and creating timeless, durable designs. Transparency in supply chains and clear communication about environmental and social impacts are essential. Embracing a multidisciplinary design approach enhances sustainability and preserves cultural heritage.
For customers, best practices involve mindful consumption, supporting sustainable brands, and choosing high-quality, versatile products. Embracing a minimalist approach, caring for items to extend their lifespan can significantly reduce waste and promote a more sustainable lifestyle.
Together, designers and customers can foster a more ethical, sustainable, and mindful fashion and lifestyle industry.

Are you excited about any upcoming projects or exhibitions?

Yes, I am excited about several upcoming projects and exhibitions. We are working on a new collection that fuses traditional Chinese craftsmanship with modern, minimalist designs, including apparel, accessories, and home decor items like pillowcase covers. This collection features limited-edition pieces made from rare and sustainable fabrics, showcasing the intricate artistry of Xiangyun silk. We recently exhibited at the ICFF during NYC Design Week and were invited to the Coterie Show in New York in September of this year.
Additionally, we are preparing for pop-up events and are in discussions about exhibiting in Japan and Italy next year. These events will help us connect with buyers and retailers and provide more opportunities for customers to experience our products. 

Where do you see yourself and Mud Silk Studios in five years from now?

In five years, I envision Mud Silk Studios as a leading brand in sustainable fashion and lifestyle, renowned for its commitment to cultural heritage craftsmanship and innovative design. We aim to expand our product line to include a wider range of eco-friendly home goods and accessories, reaching a global audience both online and in-store. I also see us collaborating with other like-minded brands and artisans to further promote sustainable practices in the industry.
Personally, I aspire to continue growing as a multidisciplinary designer, exploring new ways to integrate sustainability and innovation into my work. I hope to collaborate with other forward-thinking designers and brands to push the boundaries of sustainable products and design further.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.