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JinR, It’s a privilege to be in the presence of such a multi-talented artist and entrepreneur. I’d like to delve into the background of your success and touch on some of the ideas and thinking which are at its root. I’d like to spread the net far and share your insights with a broad, discriminating audience who will resonate with you and your sensibilities.
Can you talk a bit about how you see yourself as an artist?
JinR
I don’t think of myself as someone who has done all that much. I look at accomplished people and I’m in awe. I actually think of myself as rather laid-back. What does move me though to the next step is being comfortable with myself. I think of music, for example, as a ladder to the soul, as a way of understanding who we are. Art can lead us to true peace. It can make time stop. As an artist, I’m looking for the moment. It’s the moment which words cannot describe, but I know when I’ve reached it.
GHD
You’ve mentioned acquiring inner strength and how important this has been to your own development. Can you elaborate?
JinR
Part of it has been a result of feeling pushed. When I studied music, I felt steered in this direction. I overcame that feeling by not running away. I reached a new level of appreciation for what I was doing, I got inspired, I found that creativity made my soul smile. And that was a good place to be.
GHD
Are there other ways in which you’ve felt inspiration come to you, particularly in your design of seating and other objects?
JinR
Definitely. It can come in different ways. Drinking tea is one, meditation is another, having a balance between the physical and the spiritual is yet another. These different paths can lead to a sense of timelessness.
GHD
What of the outcome of your inspiration? How would you describe some of your seating pieces as inspired works?
JinR
I look at some of the imaginative pieces like the chairs with very tall back, and I see a weightiness to them, as opposed to a superficiality. I feel that in the chairs I’ve reached a timeless moment.
GHD
How do you reconcile the historic, classic Chinese design with your own contemporary, sometimes edgy sensibilities?
JinR
I’m aware of the traditions that have existed for thousands of years before me. How could I not be aware of these? They’re always in the background. I do not copy literally, rather, I add my own unique take, I add myself to the mix, I do something different.
GHD
Where do you see the intersection of functionality and beauty? Do you favor one over the other?
JinR
Dignity is important to me. When someone sits in a chair of my design, I want them to feel dignified, graceful, even holy. And at the same time I want to provide comfort. So it’s really a combination of beauty and function that I’m after. I believe you can have both.
GHD
What role do you see for spatial surroundings in the restaurant, the spa, other of your venues? Are architecture and interiors important design elements for you?
JinR
I would ask of the designer, What is the intent of the design? Why is it being created? I think you can tell when something was designed with a purely monetary goal in mind. If the spatial design meets the needs of the person it’s being designed for, then it’s successful and it’s an important part of the user’s experience. So yes, definitely, spatial surroundings are critical in creating a mood, a feeling, a quality of life.
GHD
As an architect, I can relate to the importance you put on the intention behind the space. I strive toward having the intention come through in my work as well. It has been wonderful having a conversation with you, and I wish you all the best on your current sojourn in the United States.
Visit JinR at GREEN T. HOUSE.
