From the pre-war 1930s through 1970, Chong served as Art Director for the Honolulu Advertiser supplying sketches on all aspect of daily life which opened other opportunities including landscape design of the Diamond Head Mansion, illustrating books, collaborating with architects on mid-century inspired homes, and serving as an instructor at The Academy of Art, now The Honolulu Museum of Art, where he could train and inspire Hawaii’s next generation.
While traveling in Japan in the 1960s, Jared Chong became profoundly engrossed in the concept of employing handcrafted rice papers as a distinct artistic medium, embarking on a series of collages wherein he explored the unique possibilities offered by torn translucent paper in contrast to conventional materials such as paint or crayon. By random selection or orchestration, these layers, with their deliberately exposed natural fibers and ragged edges, introduce tremendous depth and texture to his compositions. To enhance the visual impact, Chong judiciously incorporated dyes and overlaying oils, thereby fashioning collages of remarkable subtlety and beauty. With every element playing a vital role in contributing to the overall aesthetic harmony, Fiesta is a testament to Chong's mastery. It not only elicits a profound sense of depth but also beckons the viewer to engage in a journey of exploration through its stratified layers, varied textures, and distinctive shapes.