Unique Jewelry with Flair of Taiwan
Written by Jan Jaben-Eilon Monday, April 19 2010
Snapshot: Cynthia Chuang
Cynthia Chuang, along with her husband, was born and raised in small towns of Southern Taiwan. They met as classmates at the National Taiwan Academy of Arts. After graduating and marrying, they moved to the United States and received graduate degrees in sculpture at the Parsons School of Design. That was followed by the New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting, and Sculpture. Today their work at Jewelry 10 flows from their love of nature. Their unique jewelry focuses on color, collage, and multimedia experimentation, utilizing porcelain, metals, precious stones, and many kinds of paints. Much of their jewelry has been developed with three-dimensional construction techniques.
Chuang and her husband, Erh-Ping Tsai, are the parents of a son and daughter, both of whom are interested in art. They live on Long Island, N.Y.
Womenetics: Your art reflects a love of nature. What was your hometown in Southern Taiwan like? 
Cynthia Chuang: My hometown of Pei Kung is a small village in Southern Taiwan. I grew up around farms and large fields where I spent most of my time playing with crickets and insects. This is where I fell in love with nature.
Womenetics: Is it hard for you to make a living through the creation of art?
Chuang: I very much enjoy my lifestyle. My schedule is flexible, and I get to spend a lot of time with my family. I live comfortably, but I believe that my true wealth comes from being able to do what I love and sharing it with others.
Womenetics: Why did you study Egyptian art?
Chuang: By studying Egyptian art, I realized how far advanced the Egyptians were in sculpture and jewelry. Their concept of beauty and wearable art far exceeded their time. My husband and I were truly inspired.
Womenetics: Most people advise against going into business with a spouse. Why do you think it's worked for you and Erh-Ping Tsai?
Chuang: We came from very similar backgrounds and both have a love for nature. My husband and I have a great respect for each other, and every day we work together we learn more about one other. A lot of couples who have different occupations and interests don’t have anything to share. We have love for all the same things, and each other’s weaknesses are the other's strength. We’re not saying we are perfect for one another, but we accept one another’s differences. We complete each other, and we are stronger than ever today. 
Womenetics: Where do you get your ideas for your creations?
Chuang: A lot of my inspiration comes from my hometown and the architecture that can be found there. I grew up around a lot of temples. The animal ornaments that are included in the architecture of these temples are very intricate. Many times I also take ideas from my customers.
Womenetics: What do you do for fun?
Chuang: I love to garden. Our backyard is like a canvas. My husband and I spend a lot of time planting exotic flowers and shrubs. I also love to cook, my kids love to eat. I always invent new dishes.
Womenetics: Why did you have your daughter write your bio on your website?
Chuang: Well, first off, her English is better. But more importantly, my daughter has been watching me and my husband work since she was born. From a toddler, she was always in the studio with us observing. She's seen us grow from nothing and knows us better than anybody else.
Jan Jaben-Eilon was a founding staff writer of the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Since then, she has been the international editor of Advertising Age magazine and has written for such publications as The New York Times, International Herald Tribune, Washington Journalism Review, and Consumer Reports. She is the author of soon-to-be-published (There is) Life After Cancer. Jan and her husband have homes in Atlanta and Jerusalem.
