We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tzu-Ying Chan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Tzu-Ying, appreciate you joining us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?
I believe every experience holds significant value. The journey of exploration, continual learning, and personal growth across different phases in life has profoundly contributed to my understanding of self. Even if I could start anew, I would make the decision based on the circumstances and experience of previous stages. Each phase of my journey served as a valuable learning process.
Upon moving to New York and pursuing a master’s degree in Curatorial Practice at the School of Visual Arts, critical thinking became a cornerstone of my education, profoundly shifting my approach and encouraging me to question and explore topics from diverse angles. Collaborating with peers led me to identify my strengths and unique characteristics.
Transitioning to the U.S. shattered my previous life’s framework, offering me a more profound self-awareness and comprehension. I discovered my patience and empathy, aligning with my passion for artistic themes—caring for humanity, nature, and the environment. My diverse career journey has converged into a keen interest in contemporary issues, resonating deeply with my aspirations. This theme intricately weaves through my artistic creation and curation, reflecting contemplation on the relationship between humanity and nature, as well as the fusion of borders and cultures.
One remarkable aspect of learning in the U.S. is that age is not a topic of inquiry among peers, not even in professional settings. Connecting and collaborating with such a vibrant, creative community in my department has been a delight. Together, we learn, experiment, and grow. Admittedly, there are moments when I feel the pressure of lagging behind my peers. Yet, I have learned to reassure myself that everyone operates in their own unique time zone. Some sprint ahead, while others illuminate their paths later. We are all running our individual races, and that is what makes the journey so intriguing. This belief grounds me: every challenge we face at different stages is part of our destined path, guiding us precisely where we need to be.
Tzu-Ying, 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?
In my role as a curator, writer, multidisciplinary artist, and art teacher, my primary focus and intention have always been to promote artwork, making it accessible to a wider audience and igniting new possibilities through collaboration. A concrete example of this can be found in a group exhibition titled “Taiwan: A World of Orchids” (2023) at the Queens Botanical Garden in New York. Rather than simply creating an art piece related to orchids, my passion lies in exploring diverse possibilities through the creation of new works.
In this particular exhibition, I delved deep into the influence of natural resources on cultures and how they reflect the lifestyle of a region. Collaborating with two talented ceramic artists, Chien-Yuan (星石) Chan and Jhih-Chiang (壽山) Lyu, we embarked on a collective installation titled “Encountering with Our Land” (2023). This installation aimed to illustrate the synergy between traditional Taiwanese tea culture and the Taiwanese mountain landscape, encouraging the audience to reimagine the intricate relationship between how mountains are formed and how ceramics are crafted.
In traditional Taiwanese tea culture, tea tasting is a significant lifestyle enjoyment, driven by the production of various types of tea in Taiwan, some of the best in the world. Taiwanese teas are renowned for their distinctive flavors, influenced by the ever-changing weather conditions in the country. Moreover, the design and vibrant colors of tea sets add an essential visual dimension to the relaxation experience.
Taiwan’s mountainous terrain, boasting 4,598 named peaks, with the tallest being Yushan (玉山) at 3,952 meters (12,966 feet), is a defining feature of the region. To merge these two pivotal Taiwanese cultural symbols, the artwork comprises a digital print of Yushan alongside several ceramic teapots and cups. This seamless fusion encapsulates the essence of the Taiwanese landscape and traditional tea culture, inviting viewers to appreciate the harmony between nature and tradition.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
In my journey of personal and educational growth, a particular phrase resonates deeply with me: “Unlearn is to learn.” This phrase encapsulates the fundamental concept of the continuous need for learning. We live in a world of perpetual change, and unlearning is the tool that allows us to shed old habits and set aside previous knowledge and memories, making space for fresh perspectives.
Upon my relocation to New York, learning a new language marked just the beginning of my adaptation. I also had to recalibrate my expectations, acclimate to academic pursuits, and navigate the intricate landscapes of the workplace. The challenges I encountered compelled me to break free from my preconceived notions and habitual patterns, urging me to step boldly beyond my comfort zone. Like a sponge that absorbs water, I found myself constantly wringing out accumulated preconceptions to make room for absorbing new information.
My transformation wasn’t solely the result of overcoming personal obstacles; it also stemmed from embracing new modes of thinking and embracing diverse experiences. It’s not merely a journey of personal evolution but also an enriching expedition that has taught me how to confront novel situations. Through this experience, I’ve cultivated a profound sense of self-transcendence, inspiring me to continually challenge established frameworks and maintain an open-minded approach when facing future uncertainties.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
As a professional in the art world, encompassing roles as a multidisciplinary artist, curator, and art teacher, I’ve observed that discussions about art often elicit responses like, “I don’t understand” or “What does this mean?” These phrases sometimes serve as protective shields, discouraging people from delving deeper into the world of art. However, the enchanting allure of art lies precisely in its diversity, unbounded by a single path of thought. This openness means that all forms of reflection and insights are not only possible but encouraged. I firmly believe that art serves as a medium for expression, a tool for observing society, a means of documenting the present, reflecting on the past, and envisioning the future.
Reflecting on one of my exhibitions, titled “Human and Nature: Turning Conflict into Harmony,” I received feedback from numerous attendees regarding the clarity and accessibility of the wall texts and catalog I had written. Many expressed that my words made art more approachable and ignited their curiosity about the themes I aimed to explore. This feedback brought a sense of fulfillment because I hold the belief that art should not exist within an exclusive and inaccessible realm. Simultaneously, in my capacity as an art teacher, I am committed to the idea that education should not confine children within rigid frameworks but instead act as a conduit for their growth. In the classroom, we should expand our thinking to embrace new possibilities, creating an environment where children can joyfully develop. My overarching goal is to break down language barriers, empowering everyone to gain a profound understanding of and find enjoyment in the boundless possibilities of art.
Contact Info:
- Website: tzuyingchan.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/naomichan.art
- Other: Crossing Magazine: https://crossing.cw.com.tw/author/1822
Image Credits
Photograph by Tzu-Ying (Naomi) Chan.