We were lucky to catch up with Bao Li recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Bao, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

The moment I realized I wanted to become an artist came when I discovered that language alone wasn’t powerful enough to express what I felt. During my undergraduate years studying Communication, I had a wonderful time there exploring the meaning of media, left me with a lasting question: how do we truly understand it?

Language is one form of media, and so are photos, videos, sounds, fragrances, even humidity—everything carries the potential to communicate. What I learned is that communication isn’t just about “demonstrating” or clearly stating something; it’s deeply influenced by the perspective, emotions, and background of both the sender and receiver.

This realization drew me to photography, which became an obsession and remains central to my practice. Photography is fascinating because it captures more than a moment—it holds layers of meaning that shift depending on who is looking. That complexity, the interplay between what’s captured and what’s perceived, is what keeps me creating.

Bao, 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?

Bao (b. 2000, Shanxi) is an Abu Dhabi-based artist whose work spans diverse mediums, including print, books, and performance, with a focus on image-making. Her practice explores the dynamic interaction between game mechanics and storytelling through visual interpretation. Bao sees her audience not only as observers but as players, engaging them through introspection and manipulation of imagery to reflect on their connection to what is seen and depicted.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Honestly, this might not be considered a traditional resource, but I’ve come to realize the immense importance of building connections with people. While art can be deeply subjective, how it is perceived often depends on the viewer’s perspective and context. In many cases, this means fostering strong relationships and continuously engaging with new people.

Building these connections has taught me that art doesn’t exist in isolation; it thrives in dialogue with others. Every interaction offers a chance to see through someone else’s eyes, and that, in turn, enriches the way I create and share my work.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think many people don’t realize just how challenging it is to develop a personal artistic style and, more importantly, to keep evolving within it. It’s not just about finding a signature look or voice—it’s about staying true to yourself while pushing your boundaries.

There’s an incredible amount of trial and error involved, as well as self-doubt and moments of uncertainty. You’re constantly questioning: Is this authentic to me? Is this enough? And then there’s the pressure to remain consistent while staying open to growth and change.

For anyone outside the creative world, it might seem effortless or even spontaneous, but the reality is a mix of discipline, vulnerability, and resilience. Creativity requires constant reflection and a willingness to embrace failure as part of the process.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://baotoutongku.com
• Instagram: bao_baotoutongku