We recently connected with Hsing-Chia Hsieh and have shared our conversation below.

Hsing-Chia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

“Recover from Oblivion” is a handmade book, my photographic project.

Hsing-Chia, 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 was initially captivated by the beauty of the sky while sitting in my high school classroom, gazing out the window. This sparked my interest in photography, leading me to ask my mom to buy me a digital camera that I had seen advertised on TV. Since then, photography has become an integral part of my life. I began by taking still photos for local theater productions and documenting live events. In my country, Taiwan, there was no photography program available, so I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication instead. After graduating, I worked as a portrait photographer in the commercial industry for five years, specializing in portrait photography mainly for engagement and wedding photos. While I enjoyed serving my clients, the job could be intense and overwhelming, prompting me to consider a career change. I questioned whether I should continue on the path of photography.
Feeling lost, I visited a Buddhist temple in my hometown and prayed to Guanyin Pusa. The shaman at the temple suggested that I draw a fortune stick, which advised me to pursue further studies. This idea had never crossed my mind before, but soon after, I enrolled in a Master’s degree program in the United States.
My journey in photography took on a new chapter in America. I deepened my knowledge of its history and techniques, and started working on personal projects that were not intended for clients, but for myself. One of these projects was my M.F.A. thesis work titled “Recover from Oblivion,” which is a handmade book featuring arranged photos that narrate my relationship with family members and reflect on my future journey.
During my three-year stay in America, I returned to Taiwan and discovered an album in my grandfather’s cabinet. It documented his travels to the U.S. before I was born. Unbeknownst to me at the time, I would be following in his footsteps and embarking on my own journey to America. This connection felt like a time travel experience. I started incorporating images from my family’s photo archives and video call screenshots, expressing my longing for family while being far away from home.
While this project is deeply personal, it also holds universal themes that resonate with readers. The life events and emotions depicted are experiences shared by all humans to some degree. This project has transformed my life, allowing me to share my culture and memories, and instilling in me the belief that my story can be heard.

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

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is sharing my artwork and receiving feedback from different perspectives. I enjoy learning how people interpret my work and which parts catch their attention.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I use photography as a tool to connect with people. I enjoy capturing photos of individuals, with the goal of helping them preserve their memories.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hsingchia.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riantlove/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riantlive
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hsingchiahsieh/
• Other: https://www.behance.net/riantlove

Image Credits
All images are credited to Hsing-Chia Hsieh.