We were lucky to catch up with Wenxu Zhao recently and have shared our conversation below.

Wenxu, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is my illustrated series titled “Dreaming with My Bird.” This project holds a special place in my heart because it combines my personal experiences with storytelling and visual arts, allowing me to heal myself while conveying themes of hope and healing to my audience.

The series tells the story of a girl whose favorite model bird gets broken one day. In her attempt to make a new model bird using magical materials, she accidentally creates a real giant bird. This giant bird invites her to its enchanting world, sparking an adventure that blurs the lines between dreams and reality.

From a young age, my parents described me as a dreamy person, often having ideas that are somewhat impractical. My parents even worried that this personality would make it difficult for me to cope with the real world. When I started this project, I wanted to express that “being dreamy” is not a negative trait. Using myself as an example, the scenes that appear in my dreams while I’m sleeping can serve as inspiration for my artwork. Also, the spontaneous and whimsical fantasies that arise in my daily life also provide a great deal of creative inspiration.

Our fast-paced lives are filled with endless responsibilities and challenges. We often become overwhelmed and lose touch with our creativity and imagination. Many people find themselves bogged down by the demands of work and daily tasks. However, I believe that allowing ourselves to dream provides a necessary mental respite. It helps restore our energy and rekindle our imaginative abilities. So, I feel that dreaming is not just a frivolous pastime, but a crucial aspect of our well-being. I hope that everyone can retain a part of their childlike wonder and hope within their hearts. When a cloud is more than just a cloud to us, and a toy is more than just a toy, our eyes will see more possibilities and happiness. With this as my starting point, I created a story that blurs the lines between dream and reality.

This project emerged during a period of personal emotional turmoil, serving as both a creative outlet and a form of self-therapy. The creation of this series became a cathartic journey, allowing me to process my own experiences while simultaneously crafting a narrative that could resonate with others facing similar emotional challenges. By visualizing the transformation of brokenness into a source of hope and strength, I aimed to create a visual dialogue that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit.

Wenxu, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

For those who may not have read about me before, I’m a visual artist based in New Jersey, specializing in illustrations, paintings, and design. My work primarily revolves around the themes of invention and fantasy, drawing inspiration from my daydreams, the exploration of beauty in life, self-reflection, and contemplations on various life issues. These elements converge to create whimsical and original stories that capture childlike innocence and a sense of hope while expressing my adult perspective on the world around me.

I am particularly interested in creating picture books, paintings, and any products and designs that can incorporate illustration elements. My illustrations have been made into postcards, bags, and keychains, among other items. I especially love drawing plants and animals. Sensitive to color, I enjoy using vibrant hues and strong contrasts to create playful and imaginative works.

My journey into the world of visual arts began with a deep-seated love for storytelling through pictures. From a young age, I found immense joy and contentment in creating art, which naturally led me to pursue a career as a visual artist.

What sets my work apart is the emphasis on the expression of emotion and atmosphere. Whether through color, composition, or texture, I strive to create a bridge of communication with the audience, fostering an emotional connection. My art aspires not only to captivate visually but also to touch the hearts of those who view it. Additionally, my whimsical style and willingness to experiment with new drawing materials, techniques, and content reflect my playful and innovative approach. Fueled by a constantly jumping and explorative mindset, this allows me to continually evolve as an artist and keep my work fresh and engaging.

Ultimately, my goal is to express my emotions and thoughts while bringing beauty and warmth to the rush and chaos of modern life. I look forward to sharing my imaginative worlds with my audience and bringing a sense of wonder and joy to their everyday lives.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a dual mission that adapts to the nature of each project:

For commercial endeavors, my primary objective is to fulfill functional requirements while elevating the aesthetic value. This involves enhancing visual appeal, effectively conveying the intended narrative, and ensuring seamless integration with the overall design aesthetic. Each piece is crafted to serve both its decorative function and communicate a cohesive story within the broader context of the project.

In contrast, personal projects are primarily focused on the creative process and authentic expression. These works serve as a vehicle for self-exploration and emotional catharsis, as exemplified by my “Dreaming with My Birds” project. The therapeutic nature of the creative process is paramount, bringing healing, joy, and fulfillment. This approach stems from my fundamental belief that art must first resonate with its creator to effectively connect with an audience. Genuine emotional investment in the work naturally attracts viewers who share similar sensibilities.

Ultimately, my overarching mission is to create art that introduces elements of beauty and warmth into the often hectic pace of contemporary life. This goal remains consistent whether I’m addressing the specific needs of commercial projects or delving into more personal, emotive works. By maintaining this authentic approach, I strive to create art that not only meets its intended purpose but also carries an emotional depth that resonates profoundly with viewers.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I want to recommend a tool called PhotoShow, which is an extension of Google Chrome. This extension allows you to view high-definition images simply by hovering your mouse over image thumbnails. As artists, when we surf the internet or search for materials online, we are naturally very interested in various images. This tool can display the full-size image directly next to the cursor, making it incredibly convenient.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wenxuart.com
• Instagram: @wenxuart