Conversations with Ler Chang

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ler Chang.

Hi Ler, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started to learn drawing when I was a child, from basic techniques like perspective and light logic. For a long time, I only wanted to draw or paint “correctly”. I love animation. So, I worked in the video game and animation industry for more than ten years, which really benefited my skills in multiple ways.

I am always pursuing higher levels in my life. Once I know something or somewhere is better, higher, or new, I will always fight for it, and I can never go back. That is why I left my hometown and worked in Beijing. Also, when I got a chance to come to America, I just came, which became a big change in my life. And then, the pandemic happened. I never want to waste my life working for a job which brings me only money. I want to keep learning, and I joined a startup team called Art Lift, which introduced new artists all around the world. I saw a larger art world which opened my eyes and changed my understanding of art. The business failed after one year, but I am still running the online gallery of Art Lift on Instagram, which pushes me to keep an eye on visual art of various possibilities.

I see art as the easiest way I can pick up to convey my ideas and achieve my goals, and visuals are the door to guide the audience into the world so that they can enjoy the stories and expression. This is why I pursue art skills so diligently. I want to make great illusions and spectacles with beautiful and believable visuals, so that people will get what I want to say.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Compared with America or other developed countries, the living conditions and social environment is not that wonderful in China. Throughout the decades I lived in China, I struggled a lot. The living experience did shape me to be a tough person with much observation of society and real life. After I came to America, when I see social issues and life problems around me, I can usually see things from more perspective due to my previous experience. It makes problems much easier to understand and solve.

I am a gender queer. I didn’t figure it out until my 30s. The question which might be very easy for most people in this world is the hardest question for me to answer. Finding myself and finally accepting myself has been a long way. I questioned, but no one could answer. I complained, but no one would take it. I hated it, but didn’t know whom to hate. I ignored it, but it came out anyway. However, finding myself “unnormal” opened my mind to see this world that any possibility should be understood and appreciated. It turned me into a good listener, understander, and supporter.

Life is tough, not only for me, but for everyone. If people ask me how much I have been through and struggled, I would say, not much, but feeling tears in my eyes. However, I am just shaped in this way.

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?
I am a fine art artist now. I do painting, drawing, and sculpture mostly. Although most fine artists earn a living by selling art, I cherish the influence my art can make more than the financial benefit I can gain. My art is for show. Art is the connection between others and me. I want more people to see them and think about them. I want to say something to the world instead of only showing a kind of beauty. I enjoy the moments that viewers stand in front of my painting, looking at it for a long time. I want to make something which can go through people’s hearts. This is why when I start every work, I consider the concept and idea more important. I want them to be not only beautiful but also thoughtful. Many people said my artworks look dark, but that is how I see this world. I create art because I want to influence the world to be better. I would like to influence others by making them realize more and respect more. I believe in this power.

However, I never want to emphasize myself in my art. It is unnecessary. I want to address myself as a nobody. I am a little drop in the ocean. I am a small piece of sand in the desert. I am just a normal person, the same as everyone else. My ideas are actually influenced by many others. In other words, I am just an influenced result of the world, and the main point is the world, not me. It doesn’t matter who creates great art to influence people. If anyone else does it better, I would appreciate it very much. If the whole world turned better, it means I can live in a better environment. In that case, I am selfish.

Since I worked in the animation industry for years and served in film festivals, I still title myself as an animation artist and filmmaker. And, I still have a dream of animation. I am open to any kind of visual art form, and I said I found animation as the most amazing art form in this world. It’s just that AI is changing the art field and all visual industry too much. Most existing working methods are facing huge changes currently. I am still watching, but I believe the way people consider beauty doesn’t change too much.

What does success mean to you?
I define success very simply. For everyone, doing whatever to satisfy yourself means success. Only you know what you love and what makes you happy. You don’t need anyone else to tell you. Pursue your dream and your ideal life. When you want to complain, make changes rather than complaining.

And I am just doing whatever to satisfy myself. I changed my career several times, and my mind is changing all the time. The world is changing. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow. We don’t know what will change me and how I will influence the world.

But, I still have my dream, and there is an ideal, wonderful future world in my mind. I am pretty sure that I am on the way to my goal. Even if I die tomorrow, I will keep doing what I am doing right now, for it is what I enjoy. It doesn’t matter what I can achieve in this life, but I know I am on the right path.

Pricing:

• portrait/pet art commission
• One-on-one art classes
• Purchase specific art piece

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lerchangfineart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/changle95845
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/changle95845/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lerchang/