We had the good fortune of connecting with Grace Wang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Grace, what are you inspired by?
I find myself the most inspired by the artists and designers around me. I was incredibly fortunate to go to a school with extremely talented individuals and educators, and be immersed in creative thinking and making spaces. I think what continues to inspire me is an ever-changing world that requires art and design to evolve with it. I am always looking to come up with new design solutions, while aiming to create meaningful, intentional objects/works that can be cherished through shared experiences.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Prior to college, I had never picked up a power tool in my life. Drawing and painting was all I had known up until the very first week of school, where we were assigned to make a mallet out of a block of wood. From that point on, I fell in love with woodworking and the making process itself. As I transitioned into Product Design, I quickly discovered my passion for object making and spend the next few years focusing on furniture and tabletop design. I enjoyed the almost everlasting nature of furniture and woodworking, as integral objects to our everyday existence. As of now, I still deeply enjoy painting, and continue to do so leisurely or through painting pet portraits (you can check it out @gracepaintsdogs!).

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When I’m in the DFW area, I would say a perfect day would start at a tour of the DMA, and a stroll through Bishop Arts District. Good Chinese and Korean food is a MUST, so I would do an Hmart snack run and get Fat Ni Chinese BBQ in Carrollton’s Koreatown. However, I’ve been living in NYC for 5 years now, and I would go to Flushing’s Chinatown and Murray’s Bagels everyday if I could.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am forever grateful for my family and friends who have showed me immense love and support throughout my life, and continue to support me through new journeys to come. I would also like to thank Zhen Wu at Zhen Music and Arts Institute in Dallas, TX for being the best mentor and teacher so many years ago, inspiring me to be an artist today.

Instagram: @shangwg

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-wang-6b2885154/

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