Today we’d like to introduce you to Jon Ching.
Jon, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
It’s always funny to tell people that I have a degree in mechanical engineering. Nowadays most people know me as an artist, and it’s hard to picture me as an engineer, and I agree, it wasn’t the right path. But exiting high school with the idea that art was a hobby and not a career, it took me some time to realize that it was possible and that in the end, I’d be happier pursuing my passion. I pivoted towards art pretty soon after graduating. It was 2008, and with the recession, even though I tried to get an engineering job (mainly to make some money to support my artistic interests), no one was biting. I took that as a sign, and like any good artist, I worked two restaurant jobs and painted in my free time.
I did this for years, building my understanding of painting while using the drawing skills I developed throughout my life. Eventually, I built up the courage to show my work in public, putting it up at cafes, ice cream shops, and bars. I sort of stumbled my way into my first gallery show with a chance meeting at an art opening. I had two weeks to make and deliver my painting, but I was determined to make something special, and in the end, I made a piece I was very happy with. From there, I was invited to show regularly in group shows and even sell work. I also gained the skills and confidence to put on my own shows. Now I find myself showing in galleries I’ve long idolized and am doing the hustle, making work that I’m proud of and continue to build.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My work’s gaze is directed at the natural world. I find nature and wildlife endlessly inspiring, and I’ve been focused on it for the last six years. Now more than ever, I feel dedicated to celebrating nature in my work and bringing awareness to its degradation and the challenges it faces by humans.
Our planet is currently in the midst of its 6th mass extinction event (that we know of), and it is a direct result of how humans have shaped the world. We’ve separated ourselves from nature, used its resources without replenishing it, and taken it over to the point of imbalance, which not only threatens a projected 1 million species with extinction but also our secured survival.
That’s pretty heavy, and my work isn’t that blatant. More, I like to celebrate nature as metaphors to express my feelings and view of our lives and the interconnectedness of our planet. I want to explore the magic of nature, which usually results in surreal compositions.
Another part of my work is exposing viewers to the currently endangered species of our planet. By paying homage to them, I hope the show everyone how amazing and beautiful they are and hopefully inspire someone to learn more and take action. If anything, I feel like I’m documenting their existence before they’re gone.
What would you recommend to an artist new to the city, or to art, in terms of meeting and connecting with other artists and creatives?
I think the best way to connect with other artists is to go to openings and conferences and meet people. I know it’s intimidating and uncomfortable, but you need to challenge yourself and just do it. It might be awkward at first, but it gets easier, and you get better. Just like art, practice makes better. I moved to LA two years ago and am stoked on the kind and interesting folks I’ve met, and it’s been so great to be able to talk to other creatives.
Social media is obviously also a great place to connect and engage other artists. It feels good to praise other peoples work and find inspiration while receiving as well, and there are so many artists I’ve met online that I really hope to meet in person.
In the end, though, you need to go and see the work in person and meet artists.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Like every artist today, Instagram is the best way to keep up to date with my work. My website also is kept up-to-date. There you can directly support me by collecting a print or original or buying a calendar that I’ll put out at the end of the year.
But all art should be seen in person and for that, you can find me in group shows locally at Corey Helfold Gallery, Copro Gallery, Gallery 1988 and Cactus Gallery. I’m hoping to carve out some time this summer and take a bit of a break from exhibiting to work on a series that will hopefully be a solo somewhere. But I also have to eat, so we’ll see how long I can do that before going back to the gallery grind.
Contact Info:
- Website: JonChingArt.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @JonChingArt
- Facebook: @JonChingArt
Image Credit:
Jon Ching
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