Shiang-shin Yeh studied mechanical engineering at the National Taiwan University because “it seemed to be the most practical and useful subject in the world.” He grew dissatisfied with engineering, however, and turned to applied design, studying metalsmithing and jewelry at San Diego State University. Yeh is interested in the aesthetics of structure and order, and uses computer software to create the exact proportions and compositions of his pieces. He prefers industrial materials such as aluminum for their simplicity and precision. Comparing his artwork to music, Yeh explains that repetition, overlap, structure, and harmony transmit a visual order “just like a fragment of a melody.”