We were lucky to catch up with Dwight Hwang recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dwight, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I used to work as a storyboard artist for movies, animation, and games for 20+ years. It was what defined me and it was my identity. As exciting as it was, I eventually got burned out. My wife and I had our son and yet I rarely got to see him. I pretty much missed out on the first two years of his life. When I would hold him, he would push me away as he did not know me. I knew that I needed a change. During my seven years working in Tokyo anime studios and movie sets, I picked up a hobby called Gyotaku, which is basically their version of taxidermy. Instead of stuffing a fish and hanging it on the wall, they would print the fish with calligraphy ink and rub a sheet of paper to create a fossil-like image. I was enamored by this, but never considered to pursue it as a career. In fact, the thought of pursuing this obscure art was frightening. And the fact that I would give up on all that I had built up for the past 20 years broke my heart and spirit. Eventually, I decided that not being able to watch my son grow was worse. So I began printing and printing, and almost immediately, my art got noticed. In particular, Patagonia reached out and asked if I would provide art for the cover of one of their books. Institutions contacted me if I would exhibit artwork at their venue. It was one thing after another and five years later, there hasn’t been a break to the momentum. Four Seasons Resort, the Wynn in Las Vegas, Forbes, L.A. Times, the Smithsonian Institute! This new career took off and it’s been so exciting. But the best part of it all, is that I spend 24/7 with my family now. I create artwork while homeschooling my son. We spend every waking hour together and I wouldn’t ever want to have it any other way.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Dwight Hwang creates classical Japanese gyotaku art and European nature printing.Whether his subject is a fish, plants, birds, or even a person, he pushes not only the art but himself to bring awe, memories, and quiet contemplation to viewers worldwide. Partnered with institutions like NOAA and Patagonia, his work has been exhibited in museums such as the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles and the Smithsonian, displayed in hospitality such as the Four Seasons Resorts, and showcased in publications including Forbes.

“My many years in Japan have taught me some very important things. However, one that stands out and remains to sculpt how I view the Japanese approach to life and artistry is the cultural love and admiration for simplicity, fleeting moments and the ‘Perfect Imperfection’. To take an imperfect subject and emphasize these imperfections to be beautiful. It is my wish to show and convey this mindful philosophy to others.”

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I enjoy working for myself and the freedom that comes with it. Granted, when I started, there was always an underlying anxiety about whether or not I was going to be able to pay next month’s rent or find my next gig. But I consider myself very fortunate to have met and worked with so many people throughout both my film career and my current art journey. Whenever an opportunity arises, I say “yes” to just about everything as I’ve learned that even the most minor of jobs can lead to something great.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Striving to perfect my process is what drives me and is what I find most satisfying. Of course, I seek good results, but if I’ve learned anything from all my years as an artist, it’s that seeking perfection and wealth is misdirected. But if I focus solely on perfecting my process and myself as a person, then all else finds a way to follow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dwighthwang.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwighthwang_gyotaku/

Image Credits
Photos by John Troxell (the two with black backgrounds)