Today we’d like to introduce you to Chen Gao
Hi Chen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hello Folks, this is Chen Gao. I am a Chinese interdisciplinary artist and educator, works with a lot of media, such as film photography, free drawing, sound, poetic writing, installation, and performance. I am currently work as an Assistant Professor of Art at Coker University, SC. I used to teach graphic design at the School of Art + Design at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA. She received her MFA degree in 2D Design at Cranbrook Academy of Art, USA.
My work has taken many shapes, including film photography, experimental graphic design, free drawing, sound, poetic writing, installation, and performance. I tend to work with local materials/environments to build relationships between myself and the outside environment through different times and spaces. Even though I am not performing, the work performs themselves.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There is always something ahead, not necessarily struggles, but challenges to confront. I believe there’s no direct road from one point to the next; it’s normal to feel difficulty when facing problems. For me, the biggest challenge is often figuring out how to start. The unknowns can induce fear and hesitation, but taking the first step, no matter how small, is essential.
During times of uncertainty about the future or when fear holds me back from pursuing my desires, I remind myself to begin. Once I start, I find a way to navigate the obstacles ahead. It’s like traversing a hillside with its ups and downs; the more I acknowledge the difficulties, the more progress I make.
I recall asking my mentor, upon graduation, whether starting was hard or if challenges were just part of life. Transitioning to the next stage often feels daunting.
Back then, I didn’t fully grasp why beginnings could be the toughest. I’m still navigating the balance between sustaining myself as an artist and managing time and finances. For now, I’m committed to consistent effort, even if it’s just five minutes a day. I hope I’ll have more time to devote to my creative endeavors.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As you know, I’m an interdisciplinary artist, and I also specialize in experimental graphic design, striving to go beyond conventional design boundaries. While traditional graphic design involves studying principles like the grid system and typography, I’m drawn to breaking free from these rules. My passion lies in exploring fresh techniques and ideas, disrupting established norms, and expanding the horizons of graphic design. This approach empowers me to express creativity in unconventional ways, addressing design challenges through innovative methods and fueling progress within the field. I aim to infuse my design work with the interdisciplinary perspectives that inspire me, creating dynamic and impactful designs that resonate across diverse audiences.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Where do you see your industry going over the next 5-10 years? Any big shifts, changes, trends, etc?
As visual artists, we engage with an array of mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and digital media, to convey emotions and ideas. While our primary focus typically lies in the sense of sight, as humans, we possess five common senses: sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch. As an interdisciplinary artist, I am intrigued by the potential of incorporating these additional senses into our work. Although some artists have already begun exploring this avenue, I anticipate a growing interest among us in embracing more interdisciplinary practices. This involves not only utilizing mediums but also integrating non-visual elements and our other senses into our artistic expressions.
Moreover, collaboration among artists and professionals from various fields will likely play a pivotal role in this evolution as we seek to enrich our creative endeavors through collective exploration and experimentation. While some universities have already initiated such efforts, like the “MSUFCU Arts Power Up Arts Residency” program at Michigan State University, which invites visual artists to immerse themselves in interdisciplinary environments, more initiatives like these will foster a culture of innovation and boundary-pushing exploration. By merging traditional and unconventional mediums and engaging all our senses and people, visual artists have the potential to create profoundly immersive and impactful works of art that resonate within the community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chengao.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chengaoart/
Image Credits
main.jpg taken by Tiffany Xu.
The rest of the Image Credits belong to Chen Gao.
