We recently connected with Elaine Xuhong Chen and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Elaine Xuhong , thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
Growing up, I always had a passion for creative pursuits, but upon graduating from university, I chose to pursue a career in engineering or IT due to the perceived stability and financial rewards associated with these fields. However, after several years working as a consultant, I found that my creative and critical thinking abilities were not fully utilized or appreciated in that environment. It became apparent to me that efficiency and productivity often took precedence over creativity.
It was after the birth of my first child that I began to reassess my career priorities. I realized that I wanted to pursue a path where my creative endeavors would be valued in a different light. That’s when I made the decision to reignite my passion for painting, returning to an old hobby that had always brought me joy and fulfillment.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My venture into the realm of art and technology stems from a diverse background in engineering and IT consulting. With over a decade of experience in these fields, I’ve cultivated a deep understanding of both technology and business landscapes. This unique blend of expertise offers me a distinct internal perspective as an artist.
At the intersection of technology and creativity, I specialise in crafting kinetic installations that seamlessly integrate innovative technological methods into artistic expression. These installations not only captivate the senses but also delve into philosophical inquiries surrounding technology’s impact on modern society.
Through my work, I aim to tackle pressing issues and provoke thought on the evolving relationship between humanity and technology. By harnessing technology as a medium, I endeavour to create immersive experiences that transcend conventional boundaries, inviting viewers to contemplate our place in an increasingly digitised world.
What sets me apart is my passion and ability to bridge the gap between technology and art, offering a fresh perspective that stimulates both intellect and emotion. I take pride in pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms and fostering dialogue on crucial societal issues.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
My journey is a testament to resilience, shaped by a willingness to embrace new challenges and start afresh whenever necessary.
After earning my engineering degree with a focus on automatic control, I dove headfirst into the world of internet technology. Within just five years, I rose to the rank of senior consultant, driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and growth.
However, life had more in store for me. With the arrival of my first child, I felt a stirring within me to explore my creative side. I delved into painting and drawing, finding solace and fulfilment in the artistic process. When my second child came into the world, I embarked on a new artistic endeavour: creating installations that merged technology and art in captivating ways.
Then, amidst the challenges of a global pandemic, I seized the opportunity to further expand my horizons. I dedicated myself to preparing for the TOEFL test and pursuing admission to MFA programs. Through hard work and determination, I earned scholarships from prestigious institutions like MICA and SVA, ultimately choosing to pursue my MFA at Pratt Institute in the vibrant heart of New York City at the age of 47.
Balancing the demands of academia and single motherhood was no small feat. With a 15-year-old and a 6-year-old to care for, each day presented its own set of obstacles. Yet, fuelled by a relentless drive and unwavering passion for my craft, I persevered. Drawing upon my engineering background, I immersed myself in my MFA program, creating multiple large-scale kinetic installations, sculptures, and paintings that pushed the boundaries of artistic expression.
Looking back on my journey, I’m immensely proud of the resilience that carried me through every twist and turn.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
In my creative journey, I am driven by a belief in the uniqueness of my own existence and the richness of my personal experiences. I view myself as a canvas painted with a diverse palette of influences, shaped by a myriad of encounters, challenges, and moments of inspiration. Each twist and turn of my life’s path contributes to the intricate tapestry of my being, infusing my work with a depth and authenticity that is distinctly my own.
My creative mission is to translate this sense of individuality into a tangible expression of art that resonates with others. Through my work, I aim to capture the essence of human existence – its joys, sorrows, complexities, and contradictions – in a way that is both introspective and universally relatable. By embracing my unique perspective, I seek to create art that invites viewers to explore their own inner landscapes and connect with the shared human experience.
Moreover, when I embarked on my journey in art practice, I couldn’t help but notice the vast chasm that exists between the realms of science, technology, and art. Amidst the dazzling array of colors, forms, and concepts in contemporary art, I found a conspicuous absence – the exploration of the modern human experience like overwhelming workload, pressure, depression, and anxiety, etc. These experiences are brought about by the high-speed advancement of technology.
I aim to not only enrich my own artistic practice but also to contribute to a broader dialogue within the artistic community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elainechenxh.com/
- Instagram: elainevyy
Image Credits
provide by artist Elaine Chen