Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chloe Chen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Chloe, appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

My ideas usually come from my daily life. In 2020, when I was in quarantine in New York City and everything was shut down, I began to focus more on self-care and my daily routines. During that time, I created a series of observational drawings based on those quiet, intimate moments.

For me, inspiration often comes from things that are very close and personal. I believe that when something genuinely moves you, it has the potential to resonate with others as well—that’s where meaningful work begins.

Recently, I’ve been focusing more on my family and creating stories inspired by those relationships. It’s been a positive motivation for me to keep making art. At the core of it, my practice is about enjoying life and finding moments of joy within it.

Chloe, 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?

I’m a San Francisco Bay Area–based artist with a background in painting and drawing. I received my M.F.A. from Pratt Institute in New York, and my practice has since expanded to include large-scale ink drawings, ceramics, and printmaking.

My work explores themes around social expectations, public opinion, and cultural norms—especially in relation to women’s identity and sexuality. Coming from my own cultural background, I’m interested in how these external pressures shape personal experiences, and I try to translate those tensions into visual narratives that feel both intimate and universal.

I first got deeply involved in my practice during my time in New York, where I was not only developing my own work but also engaging with the broader art community. I worked with nonprofit arts organizations, which really helped me understand both the creative and organizational sides of the art world.

In addition to my studio practice, I’m also a senior art educator with several years of teaching experience. I teach mixed media, painting, and drawing, and contribute to curriculum development. Teaching has become an important extension of my work—it allows me to support others in finding their own creative voice while also keeping my own practice evolving.

My work has been exhibited and collected internationally, including in the U.S., South Korea, and China, which has been incredibly meaningful to me.

What sets my work apart is its deeply personal starting point. I focus on everyday experiences and internal reflections, but I approach them through a cultural and social lens that invites broader connection. I’m most proud of being able to stay honest in my work—creating pieces that are rooted in my own life while still resonating with others.

For anyone encountering my work for the first time, I’d hope they see a sense of sincerity and curiosity. My practice is ultimately about observing, questioning, and finding meaning in the subtle, often overlooked aspects of life.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I don’t approach my creative journey with a fixed mission or rigid goal. Instead, I try to stay present—enjoying life and observing what’s happening around me. I’ve found that the more I see and listen, the more naturally inspiration comes.

For me, creativity doesn’t come from pressure or forcing a direction. In fact, focusing too much on goals or expectations can sometimes block that flow. I value openness and curiosity, and I let those guide my work over time.

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

Looking back, I think the most important “resource” I wish I had understood earlier is a mindset rather than something external. I’ve learned not to treat a creative career like a mission or assignment that needs to be completed.

It’s also important not to follow trends just to gain attention, especially if the work doesn’t feel true to you. Over time, I’ve realized that the most valuable thing is to spend time understanding yourself—your interests, your voice, and what genuinely moves you. That self-awareness becomes the strongest foundation for any creative practice.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://chloechen.portfoliobox.net/home
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloechenstudio/