Tell a little bit about how you first got into creating art.

I first noticed my love for art in kindergarten, where I especially enjoyed drawing pictures rather than playing with other kids — it felt instinctive to me. However, it was in sixth grade when I met an art teacher who changed my perspective. He discouraged me from drawing cartoons, calling it 'silly,' and instead introduced me to still life and life drawing. I consider him my very first art teacher. Since then, pursuing art has become my way of exploring the connection between my inner self and the outside world.

What artists or movements have had an impact on you?

I think Impressionism has had a big influence on me because it changed how I viewed my first art teacher, who created classical realism. As a kid growing up in a small city in China, I aspired to be like my teacher, painting realistic portraits and objects. However, as I progressed on my artistic journey, I discovered many art movements. Impressionism stood out and reshaped my understanding of art history. The Impressionists were incredible — they inspired me indirectly and broadened my perspective on what art could be.

What is your source of inspiration?

My inspiration comes from the sense of freedom that nature provides. This stems from my childhood experiences and my travels as an adult. These recurring moments have driven me to explore visual languages that capture this feeling. To do so, I often take landscape photos during my journeys and also search for images online that resonate with my vision.

What themes does your work involve?

I focus on themes like the Sun, Moon, trees, and water. These elements represent the rhythm of nature and its connection to life. They allow me to explore ideas of harmony, balance, and the ever-changing yet eternal qualities of the natural world.

What is important to you about the visual experiences you create?

For me, the visual experiences I create must align with my vision and emotions first. I aim to evoke a sense of wonder, tranquility, and reflection through my work. I want the creative process to surprise me, allowing my ideas to unfold as I engage with my materials. By focusing on the contrast between day and night and elements like the Sun, Moon, trees, and water, I hope to inspire an appreciation for the beauty and harmony of the natural world while encouraging viewers to form their own personal connection to it.

Do you work from memory, life, photographs, or from other resources? Describe your creative process.

My creative process combines memory, life, and photographs. We live in a digital world where images of the same nature are abundant online, but the key lies in how you feel and how you choose to interpret these visuals into your unique language. I often sketch from memory, but I also reference images from the internet to develop ideas for composition. Once I have a clear direction, I start working with oil sticks on paper. At this stage, I rely more on intuition than on sketches or photographs, allowing the process to surprise me. This approach ensures that my vision aligns with the final work or, at times, leads to an even more rewarding outcome.