Check Out Botai Wen’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Botai Wen.

Hi Botai, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The Pursuit of Art

My story begins in a small rural town in China, where I accidentally stumbled upon old Japanese comic books filled with ink blotches blocking the pages. Although it was difficult reading them, I was quickly drawn into the beautiful linework and styles of each comic strip. The stories in those comics transcended the little world of my childhood self, which led to questioning myself, “Can I make these?” That’s how curiosity and stubbornness to learn drove me to a life-long journey to learn art.

I made a life-changing decision as I approached the end of high school, one that would make my traditional Chinese parents anxious, to study art and embark on a journey to Beijing as an art apprentice. I had to live far away from my family to pursue this passion, sacrificing many relationships and part of myself along the way. In Beijing, I was trained like in the military, harsh and unforgiving, yet I pushed myself to new limits to acquire the traditional painting skills I dreamed of. These foundations and skills would prepare me for the biggest challenge I faced as a young girl living in a traditional Chinese household: career paths and college applications.

Since I was born, expectations have followed me to choose the stereotypical path of doctor, lawyer, or engineer. My family and teachers were shocked when I broke that expectation; even with me going so far to Beijing to study art, they still tried to persuade me into giving up. I focused and persevered for the sake of my dreams, so I went to Shenzhen University and chose to study product design.

In Shenzhen University, I enrolled in a once-in-a-lifetime oil painting class taught by two esteemed professors from the Repin Imperial Academy of Arts. This class inspired me to venture into Russia to study arts and become a traditional artist. Later on, I discovered my love for digital painting because of how flexible it is, so I traveled across oceans to study at ArtCenter College of Design in Los Angeles and begin a career in concept and visual development.

Allowing one’s passion to flourish despite setbacks and expectations is the only way for us to learn ourselves from within. Art unlocked my voice and let my thoughts and emotions be on paper as beautiful paintings. If I could see my younger self, I would tell her to keep pushing what her heart desires and never let others say you are not enough because your artistic voice is truly your own identity.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I was completely alone in the beginning of my artistic journey, filled with struggles and dilemmas. I first started solely on self-learning, which resulted in many mistakes and setbacks. This early experience led me to appreciate the hard work teachers provide with their guidance and knowledge, and they were invaluable in my growth as an artist.

When I went to Russia to study traditional arts, I was lucky to be given the chance to learn valuable techniques from skilled mentors, but I quickly found myself facing a dilemma. On one hand, I craved to become a traditional artist, particularly drawn to oil painting, and on the other hand, I faced the idea of staying in China to explore a career as a designer.

This dilemma weighed on me as both paths still allowed me to do art but meant different trajectories in terms of sustainability. Eventually, I recognized my love for digital painting, which allowed for better combinations of different materials and styles. This opened up avenues for exploration, so the versatility of digital painting ignited a newfound joy within me. I felt drawn towards the possibilities it offered.

In the end, it was my passion for digital painting and the boundless creativity it afforded that led me to become a concept and visual development artist. Despite the road being far from smooth, these struggles played an integral role in shaping my artistic path and identity.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Concept/Visual Development artist in the animation and game industry based in Los Angeles. I have a background in traditional painting, but I love exploring different techniques like 3D modeling that allow my creativity to find new ways of expression, such as new art styles and stories. I find inspiration in the world around me, drawing from my love for philosophy books, Japanese chill pop music, science fiction movies, and crafting hand-made plushies to fuel my creativity.

In terms of art, I take pride in my understanding of vibrant colors and lighting skills, with a specialization in creating beautiful and intricate background paintings. I also love designing characters with their own unique vibes and stories, which always set the tone for my environment paintings. I also take great care for every detail in my paintings because they tell stories that resonate to my observations of life.

I grew up in a life deprived of my senses, not letting my voice be who and what it wants to be. So now I cherish my inner voice every day by doing daily paintings and immersing myself in nature’s wildlife. With every action taking a step forward towards discovering who I am, I truly think doing art is the truest expression of one’s self.

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
When I was younger, I used to take trips to old countryside towns filled with traditional buildings and architecture, and oh, the cuisine was delicious! Each day was an adventure as I walked along the ancient stone streets, sketching and observing the intricate textures of the historic houses. It was magical to imagine the stories that these old houses held.

During warm summer afternoons, I would gather beneath the shade of a majestic willow tree next to a lake. The gentle breeze would caress the leaves, creating patterns of light on the ground while the lake’s waves danced alongside. I felt at peace, as if I was in a fantasy world, and this feeling unlocked my mind, which made my creativity run wild.

This treasured memory always fills me with joy, reminding me of how art initially ignited a passion within me. It was through art that I learned to capture and preserve those small yet deeply touching moments in my life. Whether it was the chirping of cicadas on a lazy summer afternoon or the sparkling surface of a dancing lake, art allowed me to immortalize the beauty of these moments forever.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://botaiwen.myportfolio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/botai_0229/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/botai-wen/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/_botaiwen

Image Credits
Concept art by Botai Wen