We recently connected with Junhan Shen and have shared our conversation below.

Junhan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I’ve loved drawing for as long as I can remember. Growing up in a culturally rich environment, my artistic journey has been shaped by a blend of influences. My childhood in China was filled with the wonders of Chinese mythology and ancient poetry—timeless inspirations that sparked my im

Later, spending eight years in Australia broadened my artistic horizons, as I discovered the techniques and philosophies of Western painting. This cultural interplay gave me a unique perspective and deepened my passion for storytelling t

While I’ve always dreamed of becoming an artist, it was my move to New York that solidified this ambition. Studying Illustration at the School of Visual Arts allowed me to fully embrace my cross-cultural influences and refine my artistic voice. It was there that I realized my love for narrative painting wasn’t just a personal passion—it was the foundation of a professional path I was determined to follow.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

As an artist, I’m most proud of how my work resonates with diverse audiences, sparking questions and encouraging exploration. Whether through exhibitions or collaborations, I aim to create art that is not only visually engaging but also intellectually and emotionally impactful. Looking ahead, I aspire to publish an illustrated book, exhibit globally, and continue expanding my practice through both personal projects and illustration services.

One of my recent projects, Container, reimagines Chinese mythology by drawing inspiration from Shan Hai Jing (Classic of Mountains and Seas). Each piece pairs mythical creatures with cultural symbols, such as Suzhou gardens, Beijing opera, and Tibetan ritual dance, creating a layered dialogue between folklore and contemporary life. Through this series, I invite viewers to reflect on fragmented identities and explore the connections between culture, history, and the environment.

In addition to my personal practice, I also work across various fields of illustration, providing services such as magazine covers, article editorials, film storyboards, tattoo design, custom illustration commissions, and picture books. These collaborative projects not only enrich my artistic perspective but also allow me to bring visual storytelling to a broader audience. Moving forward, I plan to launch merchandise featuring my artwork, including prints and art books, so that more people can engage with my work in accessible and tangible ways.

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

I believe it is about leveraging the currently developed media platforms, such as Instagram, artsy, to promote and find my artistic community (which is something I am working on right now). This can also help me quickly connect with audiences who are interested in my artwork.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

My work is often described as highly “readable” and “accessible”, which I believe stems from my background in commercial illustration during my undergraduate studies. My artwork are largely representational, with clear narratives that most viewers can connect with, though I enjoy weaving subtle metaphors into the imagery. One of the most fulfilling aspects of being an artist is hearing how people from different walks of life interpret my work—it often provides me with fresh perspectives and ideas.

I’ve received a range of fascinating feedback from viewers. Some have described my work as “delicate and dreamy, with a neoclassical touch,” while others say it “creates a sense of stepping into an undefined space as if you’re really there.” the response from the audience is what makes creating art so rewarding for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://junhanshen.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/junhan_art?igsh=MTI0b3Nrd3YwZm83YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://maghaiti.us/junhanshen