We were lucky to catch up with Chenyi Zhu recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Chenyi, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
My firm determination to pursue the path of art can be traced back to my early years. As far back as I can remember, art has always been an integral part of my life. I still remember when I was a child, in art class at school, I couldn’t wait to pick up a paintbrush or create something on paper. Whenever I started creating, I felt a deep sense of calm and excitement within. The act of painting brought me more than just self-pleasure.
As time passed, I began to explore different forms of art, including painting, sculpture, photography, and performing arts. Each form made me feel closer to my inner expressions and creativity. However, it was during my middle school years that I experienced a profound transformation and began to understand that art held a significance far beyond surface beauty.
When I was young, I sadly lost my grandmother. It was my first encounter with the separation of life and death. On the night of her passing, our family hurried to the hospital, and everyone was engulfed in a profound silence, unwilling to share the grief within. My family had always been introverted, accustomed to processing emotions privately, even in times of immense sorrow. That night, I couldn’t witness my grandmother’s final moments; when we arrived, her bed was silent, the covers unmoved, and her breath had long faded. In that moment, everything seemed so serene.
However, the following days were in stark contrast to that night’s silence. My grandmother’s children collectively organized a grand funeral, a tradition in China to bid farewell to a departed loved one with celebration. The funeral included performances by traditional musical bands, feasting, and a lively atmosphere. The music from these bands, with instruments like suona and erhu, along with dances and processions, was an integral part of the ritual. Buddhist scriptures were recited continuously by alternating individuals. All these traditions served to mourn and reflected the unique Chinese cultural perspective on death and life.
Yet, at that time, it all seemed somewhat surreal to me until I grew older and understood that some emotions and love are indescribable. Certain regrets and sorrows cannot be directly shared, and our emotional expressions are often concealed, but they always find a way to manifest through art, to commemorate, and to express our longing.
A few years after my grandmother’s passing, another event had a profound impact on me. It was the passing of my childhood friend, who succumbed to cancer at an age when she should have been enjoying their youth. Instead, she left school and spent most of their life in the hospital. I was filled with deep sadness and regret for not having spent more time with her before she passed away, especially considering we were best friends throughout our school years. To this day, I keep the pendants and toys she had given me, treasuring them carefully. They remain by my side, serving as a tangible connection to our shared memories. This experience has taught me that works of art are not just abstract and technical creations; they are also concrete expressions of emotions, memories, and ideas. When I cherish that pendant and toy, I no longer see them solely as physical objects; instead, I feel the profound emotions they carry. It is the ability to infuse ordinary items with deep meaning, transforming them into works of art.
Perhaps it is the deaths of loved ones, the absolute separation, and the eternal goodbyes that have led me to constant reminiscence. Up to this point, it feels as if a seed has been planted in my heart. I understand very clearly that art is not merely a tool for self-pleasure; it is a vessel to carry emotions, a means to express those unspeakable feelings.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am a 2D artist, animator, and independent animation director with a Master’s degree in Computer Arts from the School of Visual Arts. My diverse background includes roles as a visual development artist, 2D animator, motion graphic designer, illustrator, and stop-motion animator.
As a freelancer with three years of experience, I specialize in the fields of illustration, animation, and design. My work history encompasses participation in music festival projects, the creation of web-based Lottie animations, and the development of unique illustration designs for various brands.
In addition to my freelance work, I have a strong passion for producing independent animated short films. These films cover a wide range of themes and styles. Notable among them is The Funeral of My Grandmother, which pays heartfelt tribute to my beloved grandmother while exploring themes of life, death, and family. Another work, The Bathhouse is a traditional animation that delves into the hidden biases within the female community, sparking contemplation on gender equality. This piece is created using watercolors, charcoal, and pencils, showcasing a distinctive artistic style.
I recently graduated from the School of Visual Arts in 2023. One of my significant projects during my studies was Night Market, a colorful and endearing 2D animation co-created with two fellow students. It tells the story of a little girl with cancer chasing luminescent butterflies in a night market.
My artistic style is characterized by its uniqueness, attention to detail, and emotional expression. I primarily use hand-drawn techniques to create vivid, organic, and cute illustrations and animations, with a focus on the female perspective and the emotional aspects of childhood life. Through my work, I strive to achieve excellence in the realm of 2D art, aiming to evoke emotional resonance and deep reflection in audiences, while also crafting distinctive and engaging visual content for clients and brands. My work is not just a profession but also a relentless pursuit of art and creativity.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Self-expression: Art serves as my distinctive avenue for self-expression. Each creation takes me on a profound journey into my inner self, where I meticulously recall and reflect on my emotions and thoughts. This artistic process helps me transform abstract sentiments into tangible forms, providing clarity about what I genuinely want to convey. I’m especially passionate about animation as a medium for communication. Animation, in particular, captivates me due to its versatility. It offers a wide range of visual effects, each capable of conveying diverse content. Through animation’s dynamic storytelling, I can not only express my worldview but also share my emotions with the audience, establishing deep connections. It’s an art form that allows me to breathe life into my narratives and engage viewers on multiple levels.
Impact on Others: Art possesses the remarkable ability to connect with people on an emotional level. When viewers engage with my work and find resonance within it, it’s an incredibly gratifying experience. I vividly remember the reactions to a collaborative project of mine, “Night Market,” when it was screened on a large scale. People reached out to discuss the film, sharing their interpretations and emotions. Art transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries; it is a universal language that can evoke powerful emotions, convey messages, and even alter perspectives. The idea that my creations can positively affect others is both humbling and inspiring.
Personal Growth: The process of creation is synonymous with personal growth. With each artwork, I embrace the opportunity to learn and evolve. I continually explore new techniques, mediums, and styles, which not only hone my artistic skills but also foster creativity. Moreover, my art reflects my personal journey and growth, serving as a visual diary of my life experiences. Through art, I gain insights not only into the world of art but also into myself, fostering self-awareness and personal development.
In essence, as an artist, I find the most rewarding aspects to be the ability to express my innermost thoughts and emotions, the capacity to connect with and impact others on a profound level, and the continuous personal growth that comes with each creative endeavor. These elements interweave to make my artistic journey rich and meaningful, and I cherish the opportunity to share my inner world with the world through my art.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
I believe in the importance of enhancing art education and encouraging broader participation in the arts. Art should be a platform for personal expression, free from societal judgments of beauty or ugliness. Offering diverse art programs in schools and communities can empower people to embrace creativity, appreciate life, and value self-expression.
Furthermore, international cooperation and artistic exchange hold immense significance. As a Chinese individual in the United States, I see great value in international collaboration and artistic exchange. These endeavors promote cultural diversity, allowing artists to blend their cultural backgrounds, leading to the creation of unique and profound works of art. This not only fosters a better understanding and respect for different cultures but also enriches the global context of art.
Art is a universal language that transcends language barriers and borders, enabling people from different backgrounds to connect and communicate. Through international collaboration, artists can share their observations and insights, sparking thoughtful dialogues and cross-cultural interactions. This helps break down prejudices, foster mutual understanding, and contribute to the creation of more inclusive societies.
In summary, fostering art education and promoting international cooperation in the arts are vital endeavors that enhance our appreciation of cultural diversity, stimulate societal progress, and inspire personal growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: chenyeezhu.carbonmade.com
- Instagram: @chenyee001