Today we’d like to introduce you to Qian Li.
Hi Qian, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Arriving in a foreign land from China, I embraced my camera as a tool to capture the sights and experiences around me, creating memories to share with my family back home. As an introvert, I cherish my home’s quietude, where I indulge in watching movies, knitting, and rubber stamp carving, often musing over dinner plans in these reflective moments.
My undergraduate major in photography was a journey of self-discovery, as I struggled to find a style that resonated with me. Preferring solitude over socializing, I naturally gravitated toward photographing silent buildings and objects. In my final year, I ventured beyond my field and explored printmaking. This experience revealed my true affinity for creating art with my hands.
I was so drawn to this craft that I sought an assistant role in a printmaking artist’s studio in Berkeley. My mentor there, known for his vibrant use of color and structural compositions, greatly influenced my artistic direction. As my graduation project approached, I consulted him about integrating my photography with my newfound passion for printmaking. He introduced me to photogravure, marking the beginning of a challenging yet fulfilling year-long journey.
The process of photogravure, particularly with steel plates, was intricate and demanding. It required numerous trials to understand the correct exposure time and how different materials and thicknesses of plates would affect the outcome. Though initially drawn to photogravure, I realized it alone couldn’t define my style. My mentor’s guidance led me to infuse my personal interpretations into the negatives, adding doodles that represented my imagination of the subjects.
The final step of printmaking and photogravure, peeling the printing paper from the plates, was always thrilling. Each print was unique, influenced by varying ink quantities, paper types, and applied pressure. The results were always a surprise, akin to gifts from Santa Claus. This unpredictability and the joy of creating with my hands are why I cherish photogravure – it’s a tangible manifestation of my creativity and a delightful surprise crafted by my own hands.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Navigating life’s path is seldom smooth, and my journey has been no exception. I vividly remember introducing myself in each new class: “Hello everyone, my name is Qian Li. I’m from China, and I’m still searching for my own style and direction in photography.” I could feel that my passion for photography wasn’t as intense as others; my creations were merely to fulfill project requirements. This was especially true when tasked with portrait photography, where I complied more out of necessity than desire.
The path never really smoothed out for me. As an international student, the pressure to secure a job post-graduation to remain in the United States was daunting. In facing this reality, I realized that photography might not be the viable path to secure my stay. Though I’ve transitioned from art to computer science, somewhat going with the flow, I often find myself yearning for the days when I was immersed in doing what I loved daily.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am currently a master’s program student studying at the Oakland campus of Northeastern University.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Growing up with parents who divorced early, the memories I cherish most are the simple evenings spent having dinner with both my mom and dad at one table, talking about the pet dog we hoped to have someday. Sadly, I seldom get the chance to see them together anymore. It’s particularly hard every time I have to leave for the U.S. from China, saying goodbye to my mom a day early and then having my dad drive me to the airport. I often find myself envying other international students at the airport, accompanied by both their parents.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://qianli.art/
