We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tiantian Lou a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

TIANTIAN, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned a lot through hands-on projects, figuring things out as I went. This practical approach helped me adapt quickly. Working with textile, wood, ceramics, and metal taught me that they all share an underlying spirit, whether in understanding their limits or finding creative ways to work with them. This helped me learn faster and think more broadly about problem-solving.

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?

I started out as an architecture student, drawn to the process of figuring things out and solving complex problems. But over time, I realized that the physical act of making—thinking through my hands—was just as important to me. This led me to explore different crafts and mediums, from textiles to ceramics and metalwork. Through these explorations, my practice became more creative and artistic, focusing on the relationship between craft and human-built space. Now, my work revolves around this blend of craftsmanship and spatial exploration.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the freedom to explore and express ideas in a tangible way. It’s incredibly fulfilling to take something abstract—whether it’s a feeling, a concept, or a question—and bring it to life through different materials and processes. The journey of discovery, whether it’s finding unexpected solutions or learning something new along the way, is what keeps me excited. And, of course, seeing how my work resonates with others and sparks new thoughts or conversations is deeply gratifying.

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

My biggest goal is to always enjoy and be passionate about what I’m working on. I believe that when I’m fully engaged and excited by a project, the quality of the work reflects that energy..This mindset keeps me motivated to explore new ideas, push boundaries, and continually evolve. Ultimately, I want my work to not only resonate with others but also bring me joy and a sense of purpose throughout the journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: [email protected]
• Instagram: @tiantianll

Image Credits

Tiantian Lou