We were lucky to catch up with Mi Chen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mi, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

My passion for pursuing an artistic path professionally started at a young age. I recall my initial connection with art stemming from a unique circumstance. During my childhood, I was constantly sick which kept me away from school. Struggling to keep up with kindergarten lessons, the school often had to contact my mother and send me home.

It was during this period that my mother stumbled upon an art studio, which became a haven for me. This studio not only welcomed my presence but also allowed me to spend entire days there, nurturing my interest in art. This marked the beginning of my profound journey into the world of creativity.

However, in those early days, my understanding of art was limited. My understanding of art was centered around painting, as it was the only art form I was exposed to at that time. As I grew and explored more facets of the art world, my understanding expanded beyond just painting, and I realized the immense diversity of artistic expressions that existed. This discovery fueled my determination to pursue an artistic path professionally.

Mi, 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?

My artistic journey is a tapestry woven with diverse threads that reflect my passion for interdisciplinary creativity. My name is Mi Chen, and I’m a co-founder of “Exitall Studio” alongside my partner Shan. Together, we’ve embarked on a captivating odyssey that encompasses experimental film, music videos, and a spectrum of media art forms, including visual novel games.

“Exitall Studio” emerged as a manifestation of our shared vision to explore the uncharted territories of art. Guided by the themes of memories, nostalgia, dreams, and whimsical narratives, our work finds its roots in Mandarin pop culture from the 90s-10s. This nostalgic foundation infuses our works with a unique blend of modern innovation and sentimental resonance.

In addition to my studio work, I have also embarked on a personal exploration of ceramics. I find solace in creating both practical and non-practical pieces. The practical realm manifests as lamps, light accessories, coffee dripper sets, and incense holders. Each piece is a fusion of functionality and artistic expression, seamlessly blending the utilitarian with the aesthetic.

On the other hand, my non-practical ceramic paintings are a reflection of my comical thoughts, inviting viewers to embrace their imagination and ponder the profound in the seemingly mundane.

What sets me apart is not only my interdisciplinary approach but also the deep connection I establish between my work and the human experience. As I reflect on my journey, I take immense pride in the evolution of “Exitall Studio” and my ceramic endeavors.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely, my creative journey is fueled by an unyielding desire to tell stories that reach beyond the boundaries of my own experiences. This quest is driven by both personal and shared narratives, forming a tapestry of emotions, memories, and connections that resonate with people on a profound level.

From an early age, I battled with the weight of traumatic memories, leaving an indelible mark on my perception of myself. I felt like a part of me was missing, but it was like a puzzle piece waiting to be found. This awareness, although vague, led me on a journey of self-discovery.

As I mentioned earlier, most of my work centered around the keywords “memories” and “nostalgia”. Each piece becomes a portal for personal growth and internal reflection, as I navigate the intricate labyrinth of my emotions. Ultimately, my creative pursuit goes beyond artistic expression; it’s a journey to discover the missing parts of myself and connect with the parts that resonate with others. This synergy of personal and collective stories is what keeps me moving forward, reaching for stories that linger beyond the confines of time and place.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The ultimate reward in my creative journey is when people approach me after experiencing my work, sharing how they’ve found relatable stories within it. These encounters, where individuals open up about their personal experiences that resonate with my work, are profoundly touching. They transform art from a solitary act into a shared dialogue of emotions and connections. These moments remind me of the universal threads that bind us all—our stories, memories, and dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: michen.art
• Instagram: @cmxixixix