THE JEWELS OF NEW YORK is a multidisciplinary creative studio led by Diana Yen that combines their love of cooking with the beauty of everyday things. I previously photographed her at her home studio, but she now works out of a space in the Lower East Side. They also just came out with a cookbook.

www.thejewelsofny.com

How does the city in which you live in inspire you?

New York is an ever-changing city. Right when you think you've done and seen it all, you'll turn around and it's all different again. You can never get bored here, the art, design and food world is constantly evolving and giving you surprises. I've never met people more passionate, driven and talented than in this city.

What inspires you in your space?

I collect a lot of tabletop antiques and serveware. It's really nice to see the objects I love everyday displayed on my shelves. We also cook a lot, so we tend to have beautiful produce around all the time. For me, nice produce is lovelier than looking at a bouquet of flowers. It connects you to time and nature. It's easy to lose sight of nature when you live in the city.

What mindset/mood do you make your best art/work?

I love quiet overcast days, the ones that make you want to stay inside and have something bubbling away on your stovetop.