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

Yaqi, appreciate you joining us today. Can you walk us through some of the key steps that allowed you move beyond an idea and actually launch?

The Spark of an Idea: When I embarked on creating my thesis project, I was driven by the desire to explore the intricate world of cymatics – the study of visible sound vibration. My transition from a science student to the realm of digital arts was just two years old. This shift, though enlightening, brought its own set of challenges. My prior education hadn’t prepared me for the world of sculpture, fabrication, or painting, all pivotal for an immersive physical installation.

Facing the Challenges:
Initially, to simplify matters, I focused solely on the interactive aspect. This was no easy task, demanding three painstaking months of coding, during which I aimed to visualize sound frequencies in water. By our mid-stage presentation, my installation was, admittedly, quite rudimentary: a table, bowls, electronics, and the water vibrating to the rhythm of sounds. To many, it looked like a scientific experiment rather than a piece of interactive art.

The Turning Point:
Five months into the project, I had a revelation. What if this could be more than just a demonstration? What if I could transform it into an art piece that wasn’t just interactive but immersive? A piece that truly showcased the beauty of the natural world and resonated with the audience emotionally.

The Research Phase:
With the clock ticking (just three months to the deadline), I delved into intensive research. I consumed thousands of articles and images, immersing myself in the world of experimental and interactive art installations. This phase wasn’t just about finding a structure but about defining the mood and ambiance I wanted my audience to experience. Eventually, I envisioned an organic, grassland-themed installation where the bowls, symbolic of nature’s little wonders, were nestled seamlessly.

Bringing the Vision to Life:
Having sketched my vision, the next challenge was execution. What materials should be used? How could I craft them? After seeking advice from school teachers and further research, I settled on foam. This choice led to another learning curve: mastering the art of crafting with foam, painting it, and then using insulating foam to mimic an organic appearance. Many sleepless nights ensued, with my days often stretching till dawn, as I single-mindedly worked on bringing my vision to life.

The Culmination:
Looking back, despite the hurdles, what I remember most vividly is the pride I felt at the end. My installation was not just a testament to the beauty of nature but also a personal journey of discovery, resilience, and artistic growth.

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?

Introduction & Background: Hello to all readers! At first glance, my journey might appear a tad unconventional. You see, I started my academic pursuits deeply embedded in the world of science. It wasn’t a product of personal passion, but rather a decision influenced by the cultural milieu I grew up in, where choosing science as a major was often associated with success, stability, and prestige.

The Passion for Art:
However, even amidst equations and experiments, there was a constant undertone of love for the arts that pulsed within me. As a teenager, I found solace in music, with the guitar becoming an extension of my self-expression. My intrigue didn’t stop there; I was enamored by movies and animations, often pausing to dissect each frame, trying to decipher the director’s intent. But how did someone so deeply passionate about art end up in a science classroom? The answer lies in societal expectations. I heeded the advice of parents and teachers, only to realize that while I excelled in science, it didn’t resonate with my true calling.

The Turning Point:
As my graduation in science loomed, I confronted a pivotal realization: I couldn’t envision a life immersed in mathematics. So, against potential criticism, I decided to pursue my genuine passion – art. The initial days were grueling, a self-taught journey marked by endless learning. But every moment was rewarding. I relished creating animations, a medium that allowed me to weave personal stories and emotions. And through this journey, I found kindred spirits, friends who resonated with my sentiments.

The Evolution & Brand Identity:
My two-year formal education in art expanded my horizons, introducing me to innovative technologies that enhanced artistic expression. My culminating project, an interactive installation, epitomized my evolution as an artist. A recurring theme in my animation and installation work is the nostalgia of childhood – a time of pure joy and unfettered creativity. This is reflected in fairy-tale motifs and graphics reminiscent of child-like drawings. It’s this distinct, child-like charm that sets my art apart.

What I Offer & My Unique Selling Proposition:
Today, my art work, both the animation and installation serves as an emblem of my journey, a blend of scientific precision and artistic flair. To potential clients, followers, and fans, know that when you engage with my work, you’re not just viewing art; you’re traversing my life’s journey, from the structured world of science to the boundless realm of art.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist lies in the process of transformation. Every piece I create is not just an artwork but a journey from intangible emotion to tangible expression. It’s like alchemy, converting raw, often chaotic feelings and ideas into structured, communicable forms. This metamorphosis, where I find a way to communicate abstract sentiments in a way others can see, touch, or interact with, is profoundly satisfying.

Furthermore, art allows me to reconnect with the purest versions of myself, harkening back to childhood days when creativity was an unbridled force. Through my art, I not only communicate with the audience but also with my younger self, reminding me of times when imagination had no bounds. Every time someone interacts with my art and finds a piece of their own story or emotion mirrored in it, it reaffirms my belief in the universal language of art. It’s this ability to bridge personal emotions with collective experiences that makes being an artist so incredibly rewarding.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My guiding mission in my creative journey is, quite simply, connection. For me, the most treasured moments as an artist arise when an individual deeply resonates with the essence of what I’m trying to convey through my work. When that connection occurs, they transition from being mere audience members to friends in my eyes. Authenticity is paramount in my work. Instead of trying to appeal to the masses or mold my narrative to fit popular demand, I prioritize staying true to my personal stories and emotions. My objective isn’t to be universally liked but to find those few who genuinely understand and relate to my art. Because, in the end, forging a genuine bond with one or two individuals is far more fulfilling than receiving superficial acclaim from many.

Contact Info:

• Website: kikizhang.art
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiki-yaqi-zhang/