We were lucky to catch up with Weston Wei recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Weston thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
My thesis project “Symbiosis” is an art creation based on my personal experience and journey with allergic rhinitis. The deliverables of this project are a series of illustrations and an artist zine. For this project, I divided my story into three chapters: the first chapter is about how I learned about my disease and how the condition caused me pain and panic. The second part is about drug treatment. I was trying to fight against allergic rhinitis through external means such as drugs, syringes, and traditional Chinese herbal medicine. The last chapter is about psychological adjustment: I gradually discovered that all physical diseases are more or less related to the psychological state. I tried to let myself and allergic rhinitis achieve a harmonious coexistence through psychological adjustment. This project aims to convey my thoughts about the relationship between our physical body and disease, to sympathize with more people who are struggling with illness, and to tell them to believe in their mental power.
Weston, 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?
Weston Wei, an accomplished illustrator hailing from China who has found his creative haven in the bustling streets of New York City. With a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Design from Tongji University and recently graduated from SVA MFA Illustration as Visual Essay, Weston’s artistic journey has been a testament to his unwavering passion for visual storytelling.
Balancing the contrasting facets of his personality, Weston describes himself as a unique blend of 55% extrovert and 45% introvert. It is this delicate equilibrium that drew him to reside in the vibrant heart of the world, where he could immerse himself in the electrifying energy of the city while cherishing countless solitary hours in his studio, where he would meticulously bring his imagination to life on canvas.
Weston’s artistic endeavors revolve around one central goal: to forge an immediate and profound emotional connection with his audience. Every stroke of his brush, every carefully chosen hue, and every intricate detail in his illustrations serves as a conduit for storytelling and evoking heartfelt emotions.
Influenced by the surrealist art movement, fashion styling, and the ever-evolving tapestry of pop culture, Weston’s illustrations are vibrant tapestries that capture the essence of his subjects. He possesses a keen eye for capturing the intricacies of the human figure, infusing them with vivid colors that burst off the page. His attention to detail is unparalleled, allowing viewers to lose themselves in the captivating narratives unfolding within his creations.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is knowing I am working for something I love and enjoy. Creating art involves introspection and self-exploration. Through the artistic process, I can uncover aspects I didn’t know existed, leading to my personal growth and self-awareness. Completing a piece of art can bring a strong sense of accomplishment. The feeling of creating something from scratch and seeing it come to life is deeply satisfying. Plus, art can evoke strong emotions and resonate with people on a deep level. When others connect with my work, it can create a gratifying sense of connection and shared understanding.
Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)
NFT is an innovative thing of the digital era. I accept it, and NFT is cool because it helps digital artists own and sell their original work. But since it’s a derivative product of Web3, the value of it is not just up to the artwork itself; it also depends on how many people believe the narrative of Web3 and NFT. That’s uncontrollable.
Contact Info:
- Website: westonwei.com
- Instagram: @westonweiart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weston-wei-b218b3129/
- Twitter: @westonweiart