Today we’d like to introduce you to JiaHao Peng.
Hi JiaHao, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I am a multimedia visual artist whose practice focuses on horticulture and photography. Through my work with plants and florals, I highlights what’s obscured in daily life, featuring marginalized, queer, and trifling subjects. Across my work, I continually reveal the interplay between the camera lens and greenery, using light in inventive ways to immortalize my subjects. Inspired by these connections, I founded Ten Ten Photosynthesis at 1010 S Olive St. in Los Angeles, exploring this distinctive art practice.
I live and work in Los Angeles, CA now. I was born and raised in mainland China and went to art school in Ohio. I moved to LA during the pandemic. I’ve been into plants since I was a kid but never had a chance to settle down and grow them. When I arrived in LA, I was deeply attracted to the nature and plant community here, so I started collecting and cultivating seriously. Slowly, I was able to build my own plant community and open Ten Ten as a studio and storefront.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Yes and no. Fortunately, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many nice and kind people who have given me opportunities and support. However, introducing Asian-style plants to the Western audience requires time and effort. I strive to make my projects educational, which has been the most challenging aspect. While most businesses focus solely on selling and making a profit, I aim to keep things small-scale and engage with each person individually, discussing their purchases and promoting sustainability. Rather than simply selling a plant without guidance on care or knowledge of its characteristics, my goal is to share knowledge and foster a community of plant enthusiasts, not just customers. Building these relationships is challenging but enjoyable! That’s also why I host many workshops.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a multimedia visual artist whose practice revolves around horticulture and photography. Through my work with plants and florals, I strive to bring attention to what is often overlooked in daily life, highlighting marginalized, queer, and seemingly trivial subjects. In my art, I consistently explore the interaction between the camera lens and greenery, experimenting with light to capture my subjects in unique ways. It is these connections that inspire me, leading me to establish Ten Ten Photosynthesis at 1010 S Olive St. in Los Angeles, where I delve deeper into this distinctive art form.
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?
Covid taught me not to wait. Don’t wait to see the person you miss, especially your family members, the elderly. Don’t wait to pursue your dreams; be brave, as there is nothing to fear. That’s also why I decided to start my own business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://t3nt3n.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tentenphotosynth/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/pengjhao/
Image Credits
JiaHao Peng
Santiago Miguel
Ren MacDonald
JiaHao Peng
