We recently connected with Dan Lam and have shared our conversation below.

Dan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

After completing my graduate studies in 2014, I was ready to find a regular job to support my art. I taught at a community college and took on various jobs to make ends meet. In 2016, I decided to return to Dallas. While there, I secured a part-time job while creating work for group exhibitions. However, I realized that I was not good at the job (it was an afterschool program, and I learned I’m not great with groups of kids) and decided to quit. Fortunately, I was able to sell all my artwork from those shows, which covered my rent for the upcoming months. This turn of events allowed me the freedom to take my time in seeking other employment, but to my surprise, I found that I didn’t need to. My art continued to sell through shows and directly via Instagram, paving the way for me to pursue my passion full-time. It was a risk that ultimately paid off. I didn’t know where it would lead, but I knew I needed to take advantage of that moment because all I wanted to do was make art, and anything else felt wrong.

Dan, 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 Dan Lam, and I’m a visual artist primarily known for my sculptures that play with texture, color, and form. I’ve always been fascinated by the weird and the wonderful, especially how materials can be manipulated to create something new and unexpected. My work started in grad school when I began experimenting with foam, resin, and other materials, and it evolved into this exploration of organic, blob-like forms that feel inviting and a little unsettling.

I create sculptures that make people question what they’re looking at, how they’re supposed to feel about it, or even whether they want to touch it! My work has a sense of playfulness but also intentional discomfort—it challenges ideas about beauty and repulsion, attraction and revulsion. What sets my work apart is probably that combination of texture, color, and shape that pulls people in and keeps them thinking about it long after seeing it. A lot of the time, the viewer’s reactions are really what completes the piece for me. It’s a dialogue—my art speaks to you, and then you bring your own experiences, interpretations, and emotions to it.

I want people to know that my work is about feeling, connection, and curiosity. I’m constantly experimenting, trying to surprise myself and my audience. It’s a journey of discovery, and I invite people to come along for the ride.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist is the freedom to explore and push boundaries without limitations. The creative process offers an incredible sense of discovery. When experimenting with materials, forms, and colors, the outcome is unpredictable, which keeps me excited and curious every day.

The real reward comes from seeing how people connect with my work. When someone interacts with one of my pieces and has an emotional reaction—whether it’s fascination, discomfort, joy, or confusion— that’s the moment the art becomes something bigger than just an object. It’s alive in a way. Knowing that my work can spark a conversation or make someone see things differently inspires me to keep creating.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I initially started sharing my work on Instagram as a way to hold myself accountable for maintaining a regular studio practice and to connect with other artists. I found that sharing behind-the-scenes shots of my process really resonated with people.

I didn’t attempt to conform to any existing trend or mold; I simply aimed to create and share things that were authentic to me. Although the internet can feel saturated with content, I discovered that when you create something genuine, it gets noticed. People appreciated the uniqueness and tactile nature of my work, expressing a desire to physically interact with it, even when viewing it through a screen.

For those just starting out, my advice would be to stay true to your vision. It’s easy to be swayed by what’s popular or to compare yourself to others, but the more you can be yourself and let your voice shine through, the more people will connect with you.

Lastly, prioritize the quality of your work over the content. Keep experimenting, keep creating, and involve people in the process—that’s where the magic happens.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bydanlam.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sopopomo
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@sopopomo
• Other: https://tiktok.com/@sopopomo