We recently connected with Yu-Chen Chen and have shared our conversation below.

Yu-Chen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

This project undoubtedly offers a rare opportunity for printmaking enthusiasts. Being selected to participate in this residency program through the application process provides the chance to engage in creative exchanges with local artists at Zygote Press, a printmaking studio situated in Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

Personal Exhibition and Collaboration: Collaborating with local artists to curate a personal exhibition represents a significant milestone. It serves as an exceptional platform to showcase creative accomplishments while fostering cross-cultural artistic exchanges and expanding one’s audience.

Participation in Local Events: Beyond studio work, I have the privilege to partake in local art events and workshops. This not only enriches my artistic perspectives but also deepens my understanding of the local culture and art scene.

Cultural Exchange: This journey transcends the realm of printmaking and delves into cultural exchange. I have the opportunity to interact with locals, immerse myself in the lifestyle of Ohio, USA, and introduce Taiwan’s art and culture to the local community.

Personal Growth: This journey encompasses more than just artistic exchanges; it signifies a voyage of personal growth. Confronting diverse challenges in an unfamiliar environment will catalyze personal development and teach me how to navigate various situations.

Creating Lasting Memories: It marks my inaugural expedition from Taiwan to the United States—a profoundly unforgettable experience on a personal level. I document this experience through photography, creative endeavors, or alternative means, incorporating it into both my artistic endeavors and daily life. Additionally, I have forged new friendships and maintain ongoing connections.

In conclusion, this project has bestowed upon me a remarkable journey, fostering artistic enrichment, personal evolution, and enduring memories.

Yu-Chen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Yu-Chen Chen graduated from the Master’s program in Fine Arts at National Taipei University of the Arts. Her primary creative mediums include printmaking, graphic painting, and mixed media. Drawing inspiration from the nuanced emotional interactions observed in daily life, he transforms and reinterprets these responses. In recent years, her series of works have drawn upon children’s art as a foundation, reflecting the artist’s extensive involvement in children’s art education. Guided by intuition, Chen returns to a pure form of creation.Through various creative mediums such as printmaking and sculpture, I combine everyday life experiences with art and nature. Using a unique visual expression, I transform these responses and allow intuition to guide me, creating a reinterpreted and pure form of creation. The result is a presentation of my personal vision of a joyful garden.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I’d be happy to share a story that illustrates my resilience during my journey.

A few years ago, I embarked on a challenging project that involved creating a series of intricate printmaking pieces. The project required a high level of technical skill and attention to detail, and I was determined to push my boundaries and create something truly exceptional.

As I delved into the project, I encountered numerous obstacles and setbacks. There were moments when the prints didn’t turn out as expected, materials were scarce, and technical issues seemed insurmountable. Despite these challenges, I refused to give up. Instead, I embraced each setback as an opportunity to learn and grow.

I spent countless hours researching, experimenting, and seeking advice from experienced printmakers. I honed my techniques, adjusted my approach, and continuously refined my process. Through sheer determination and a willingness to adapt, I gradually overcame each hurdle.

Eventually, after months of relentless effort, the series of printmaking pieces started to come together. The final results surpassed even my own expectations. The prints captured the intricate details and emotions I had envisioned from the beginning.

This experience taught me the power of resilience. It showed me that setbacks and difficulties are an inherent part of any creative journey, but with persistence, adaptability, and a positive mindset, we can overcome even the most formidable challenges. The sense of accomplishment I felt upon completing that project, despite the obstacles, has become a constant reminder that resilience is a vital trait that fuels personal growth and artistic achievement.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

In my creative journey, there is indeed a specific goal and mission that drives me. I have always been committed to using art to convey emotions, inspire thought, and establish connections. The purpose of my creative work is to capture the beauty within human relationships, emotions, and life’s intricacies, and express them through my unique visual language.

I hope that through my artwork, I can touch the hearts of viewers, evoke resonance, and guide them to further contemplation and feelings. I believe that art possesses limitless power, capable of connecting diverse individuals, transcending language and cultural barriers, allowing us to experience shared emotions and experiences.

On another note, I am also dedicated to making an impact in the field of children’s art education. My mission is to inspire creative thinking in children through my creations and teaching, encouraging them to express their ideas and emotions. I firmly believe that childhood is a critical period for nurturing creativity and self-confidence. I aspire to sow seeds during their growth process, nurturing them into more imaginative and resilient individuals.

In summary, the objective of my creative journey is to use art to convey emotions, establish connections, and simultaneously make a positive impact in the realm of children’s art education. This is precisely what drives my creative work and mission.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/printmaking_x1x/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1slSlrJT8g&list=PLWjR3I2xKb2rgSNRfDv-diKZeklk7hUjn&ab_channel=2016%E4%B8%96%E7%95%8C%E8%A8%AD%E8%A8%88%E4%B9%8B%E9%83%BD%E8%A8%AD%E8%A8%88%E6%95%99%E8%82%B2%E6%89%8E%E6%A0%B9%E8%A8%88%E7%95%AB
• Other: flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/69521986@N02/

Image Credits
all taken by me (Yu chen Chen)