Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Moie Qian Yang. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

MOIE QIAN, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

Being an artist is both a gift and a burden—an existence where fulfillment and struggle often intertwine. For me, creating is not just a profession; it is a way of being, a lens through which I understand and translate the world. Yet, I constantly find myself asking: Should I keep going? Should I continue being an artist?

When people think of artists, they often picture glamorous gallery openings, champagne toasts, and curated social circles. But in reality, those moments are fleeting. Most of my time is spent alone in the studio, lost in my thoughts, battling self-doubt. I often wonder: Would I be happier with a stable job, predictable hours, and financial security?

I tried. I worked in a company where my days were structured, my tasks endless. I was busy, productive, efficient. But every night, I came home exhausted—not just physically, but mentally drained, devoid of the curiosity that once fueled me. My time felt stagnant, life moving in a loop. The security I had longed for became suffocating.

Despite the instability and unpredictability of an artist’s life, it is this very uncertainty that pushes me forward. It forces me to create, to explore, to make work that speaks to something larger than myself.

I chose freedom over routine. But that choice comes with its own hardships. The reality is still cruel—I must constantly find ways to sustain myself, to weigh every decision carefully. Yet, I remind myself that choosing art means redefining success on my own terms.

Am I happier as an artist? I don’t have a definite answer. All happiness is fleeting, and so is pain. What I do know is that I made a choice I will never regret.

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.

My name is Moie Qian Yang, a textile and multimedia artist based in New York. My work explores themes of feminism, ephemerality, and the intersection of tradition and technology. Born and raised in China, my nomadic upbringing—constantly shifting homes and schools—shaped my artistic sensibilities. This ever-changing environment nurtured a deep appreciation for solitude, allowing me to cultivate introspection and a heightened awareness of life’s nuances. My creative practice reflects these musings, finding the extraordinary within the ordinary.

At the heart of my work lies a devotion to traditional textiles, a commitment to slow, deliberate craftsmanship amidst the accelerating digital age. Through my art, I seek to preserve and reinterpret ancestral techniques while challenging conventional notions of materiality and storytelling.

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I have been drawn to visual storytelling since childhood. My early fascination with illustration led me to discover Lolita fashion in junior high school, sparking my interest in clothing and textiles. This passion ultimately led me to Parsons School of Design in New York, where I studied fashion design before pursuing an MFA in Textiles. Over time, my focus expanded beyond garment-making, evolving into a multidisciplinary approach that merges textiles with digital media, sculpture, and technology.

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My practice blends traditional handcraft techniques with experimental materials and technology. I incorporate oxidized metals, water-soluble fabrics, digital and hand embroidery, and natural dyes—creating works that challenge the boundaries between textile, sculpture, and interactive storytelling.

My latest project, Be Girl, Be Good, is a textile-multimedia installation that weaves together feminism, personal narratives, and interactive AR animation. This follows my previous work, Paradise Lost, a series inspired by the Garden of Eden, which explored environmental loss and cultural heritage through embroidered textiles and metalwork.

What sets my work apart is its fusion of past and future, softness and rigidity, tactility and digital intervention. I am constantly pushing the limits of materiality, using textiles as a medium for storytelling that extends beyond garments or decorative arts.
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At its core, my work is about storytelling—honoring forgotten histories, amplifying marginalized voices, and exploring human resilience. Whether through intricate hand-stitched embroidery or immersive digital interactions, I strive to create art that evokes emotion and provokes thought. My goal is not just to craft visually compelling pieces, but to invite deeper engagement with the narratives woven into each work.

I welcome those who resonate with my themes to engage with my work—whether as collectors, collaborators, or curious observers. Art is a dialogue, and I look forward to continuing the conversation

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

My view on NFTs is complex and ever-evolving, especially as an artist working at the intersection of tradition and technology. On one hand, NFTs offer a new way for artists to claim ownership, distribute digital works, and reach global audiences without the constraints of traditional galleries or institutions. They challenge conventional ideas of value in art and provide opportunities for emerging artists to monetize their work in ways that were previously unavailable.

However, I also recognize the ethical and environmental concerns surrounding NFTs. The early blockchain systems used significant energy, contributing to sustainability issues—something that directly conflicts with my commitment to slow craftsmanship and environmental consciousness. Additionally, the speculative nature of NFTs has led to a market where artistic value is sometimes overshadowed by hype and financial gain.

That said, I do see the potential for NFTs to be used in meaningful ways. If implemented thoughtfully—such as integrating them with AR textiles or digital storytelling—they could expand the possibilities of how we experience and collect art. I am particularly interested in how blockchain technology might be used for provenance tracking in textile conservation or how it could support independent artists in maintaining control over their digital work.

For me, the key is intention. Technology should serve the art, not the other way around. While I remain cautious, I am open to exploring NFTs in a way that aligns with my values—focusing on sustainability, storytelling, and artistic integrity rather than market trends.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Growing up in China, I was raised with a clear roadmap for success: study hard, get good grades, attend a prestigious university, and secure a stable job. This was the blueprint followed by many around me—the promise of security through discipline and diligence. Life was a straight path, with each milestone neatly laid out.

But choosing art shatters that illusion. Unlike traditional careers, where effort often correlates with predictable outcomes, the creative path is full of uncertainty. Talent and hard work are essential, but they don’t always guarantee success. In the art world, luck becomes part of your ability, and effort doesn’t always lead to results。

I learned this firsthand when I poured months into a project, applying for a grant, only to be rejected without explanation. I had done everything “right”—perfecting my techniques, crafting a strong proposal—but the outcome was beyond my control. The unpredictability was frustrating. For a long time, I struggled with self-doubt, questioning if I had made the right choice by diverging from the stable path my peers followed.

Over time, I came to understand that the uncertainty of an artistic career isn’t a flaw—it’s an integral part of the journey. Unlike the rigid structure I once knew, art is about carving your own way, adapting, and staying open to unexpected opportunities.

I’ve had to unlearn the belief that success is purely meritocratic. The creative field is unpredictable, but that doesn’t make it less meaningful. Instead of fixating on control, I now focus on resilience—continuing to create, even when the path ahead is unclear. Unlike the straight road I once envisioned, my journey is winding, full of detours and surprises. And I’ve come to embrace that.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @mooooiemo
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moie-qianyang/
• Other: Rednote(xiaohongshu)@mooooiemo ID:8434810796