Today we’d like to introduce you to Anita Chen Fu

Hi Anita, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

I am an artist, designer, illustrator, musician, and teacher. My artistic journey began with music, thanks to my mother, who is also a musician and educator. From a young age, I took piano, violin, and music theory lessons, dedicating significant time and focus to honing my performance skills. However, my passion for visual arts has always been a part of me, from the moment I was born. By the age of two, I was already asking my mother for paper and pencils to draw, sometimes even attempting to “steal” my brother’s kindergarten art assignments. Recognizing my love for drawing and creating, my mother enrolled me in art classes.

Throughout my childhood, I was fortunate to learn from many art instructors who taught me the basics. When it came time to choose a college path, I applied to the only design school in the Dominican Republic, Chavón, the School of Design. There, I studied Illustration, further bettering my drawing and painting skills while learning the importance of storytelling in art. After two years at Chavón, I graduated and moved to New York to complete my BFA in Illustration at Parsons School of Design. In New York, I encountered many talented artists from around the world, which inspired me to explore my identity more deeply and reflect on who I truly am. This introspection led to my undergraduate thesis project, titled “Intersections of Identity,” a work that challenges conventional notions of identity and explores the meaning of belonging.

Currently, I work as a teacher at my alma mater, Chavón, and also as a private piano lessons instructor. My goal is to help young and passionate artists reach their aspirations and discover their unique creative voices.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Growing up as an Asian descendant in the Dominican Republic, I struggled to connect with the local culture. I was often excluded and viewed with suspicion, seen only through the lens of a stereotypical “Chinese” person. This created an expectation that I somehow had to live up to these stereotypes, especially in school and other learning environments. I remember once in first grade, I was asked to draw a family portrait for an assignment, but when I turned it in, my teacher didn’t believe I had drawn it and accused my mom of probably doing it for me. They even forced me to stay in class during recess to redraw the portrait from memory to prove myself.

As a born perfectionist, I’ve always been driven by a fear of looking bad in front of others, which is why I pour all my time, effort, and passion into every piece of work I produce. But too often, my hard work is dismissed with comments like, “Oh, she’s good at it because she’s Asian.” Over time, I’ve learned to stand up for myself and voice my thoughts instead of letting remarks like that slide. I’ve realized that if I don’t treasure and defend the work I do, who will? Embracing my identity and the unique perspectives it brings has empowered me to push back against stereotypes and claim my place as an artist and individual.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I am a passionate illustrator, designer, and teacher, born and raised in the vibrant cultural fabric of the Dominican Republic, with Taiwanese parents. As an artist, my journey is enriched by both Latin American and East Asian traditions. Through my work, I seek to weave these cultural threads together and create images that creatively resonate with universal themes.

My work spans a variety of media, from digital illustration to traditional painting, always focusing on visual storytelling, color exploration, and cultural expression. I am inspired by the richness of my multicultural heritage and the diversity of human experiences. Right now, I teach private piano lessons and Illustration classes at Chavón, The School of Design in the Dominican Republic. As a teacher, I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm for art with my students, guiding them to discover their own style and creative voice.

I have had the opportunity to exhibit my works in international galleries and collaborate on various artistic projects that have allowed me to expand my vision and learn from other cultures and perspectives. Each piece I create attempts to build bridges between different worlds and celebrate the beauty of our differences and similarities. My goal is to inspire others to see art as a powerful tool for connection and mutual understanding.

As an artist, I take immense pride in my work ethic, a trait deeply rooted in the discipline and responsibility instilled in me by my parents from a young age. These qualities are the driving force behind my creativity, pushing me to continually strive for excellence. I believe that this dedication not only fuels my artistic journey but also sets me apart from others. It is the commitment to my craft that enables me to consistently produce work that reflects my passion and the high standards I hold myself to.

What was your favorite childhood memory?

Growing up, I used to love the feeling of finishing a painting. Whenever my art teachers said that my piece was done, I would be so happy. That sense of accomplishment gave me immense joy and validation, knowing that I had poured my heart and soul into the work. It was as if each completed piece was a milestone in my artistic journey, a testament to my growth and the skills I had developed. Over time, this joy evolved into a deeper satisfaction that comes from the process itself—the exploration of ideas, the experimentation with techniques, and the challenge of bringing a vision to life. Now, while I still cherish the moment of completion, I find even greater fulfillment in the journey of creating, where each brushstroke and decision adds layers of meaning to the final work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://anitachenfu.wixsite.com/anita-chen-fu
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/just.a.colorful.mess?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=