Today we’d like to introduce you to Jiawei Fu.
Hi Jiawei, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Born and raised in the bustling heart of Guangzhou, China, I’ve long been entranced by the intricacies of human connection. From my earliest days, I’ve marveled at the myriad ways in which individuals comprehend one another. Growing up with a very traditional cultural background, I’ve often found myself hesitant to voice my thoughts, my words lingering unspoken.
Yet, this innate shyness has propelled me towards alternative means of expression, urging me to seek out unconventional avenues to convey my innermost feelings. I’ve come to realize that people from all walks of life eager to share their personal narratives, each imbued with its own unique cultural backdrop.
With this realization rooted in my consciousness, I came to the United States, drawn by the allure of discovering intimate yet powerful methods of storytelling through spatial design and painting stories. Here, among the melting pot of cultures, I aim to uncover the secrets of narrative that transcend linguistic and cultural divides.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
To truly foster understanding, one must allow others to experience the depth of their emotions. However, the challenge arises when diverse languages and cultures bring forth varying expectations and viewpoints. This makes it hard to find the shared connections between individuals and communities.
Through my journey, I’ve discovered that within the tapestry of differences, the commonality lies between subtle joys and sorrows of everyday existence — because we all are humans.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a professional interior designer and painter. My area of expertise lies within the delicate art of egg tempera painting. This is a traditional technique where dry pigments are mixed with egg yolk as a binder. Applying a thin and transparent layers to the rigid surface, the paint creates intricate details and layering effect.
At the heart of my artistic pursuits lies the essence of storytelling, infused with the raw emotions that define the human experience. I endeavor for viewers to perceive my work as a reflective surface, inviting them to explore their own narratives and interpretations. Each stroke of paint upon the canvas is a testament to the shared tapestry of existence, a mirror reflecting the myriad emotions that unite us all.
In essence, my art serves as a beacon of empathy, reminding each viewer that their emotions are valid and worthy of acknowledgment. Through this shared connection, I aspire for all to find solace in the realization that they are not alone in their journey through the depths of feeling. Rather than merely decorative, my arts act as bridges, conveying a spectrum of emotions to the observer’s heart and soul.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I hold the belief that the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a poignant reminder for each of us to appreciate the small joys and moments that enrich our lives. Many, including myself, have become accustomed to the monotonous routine of staying at home. Life seems to have fallen into a repetitive cycle, devoid of its usual joys and filled instead with feelings of despair, sentimentality, and a sense of losing control. It’s a struggle to conjure up moments of happiness out of thin air.
Do we merely exist, or do we truly live? As we blend into the fabric of daily life, our significance often fades into obscurity, unnoticed. Yet, small things are what keep us alive, and that’s the reason behind one of my painting series: Quarantine.
Through this series, I want to invite viewers to immerse themselves in the depicted scenes to seek reflections of their own quarantine experiences within the portrayed narratives. Despite the pervasive despair, a thread of resilience persists. In the face of adversity, hope persists, resilient as a seed breaking through the cracked earth, offering a glimmer of light amidst the darkness.
Image Credits
Peter Na
