Meet Cheryl Chan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheryl Chan.

Cheryl, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m the daughter of a former sweatshop worker. So, I was raised with the message that holding on to hope, despite how hard life might be, is crucial to survival. And also – to never forget where you came from.

I realized early on that I had a talent for many things. Art, writing, and public speaking were the ways I naturally expressed myself. I had a lot to express, be it trying to find my place as an American despite looking different or bearing my parents’ hopes that I would do better than them in life. I desperately needed to find the beauty in these circumstances, so I created my own. Making art is as natural a process to me as breathing; I need it to live.

Before going full time as an artist, I have worked as a children’s book author, teacher, government employee, animator, and non-profit worker. I’m only 22, so there’s a lot to learn still, but I’ve been fortunate to collect all these experiences so far. All these things have rounded my perspective out so that I understand the world better. Experiencing the world and meeting different people is the only way to strengthen your empathy muscle, which helps you make better art.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It hasn’t been easy, but I wouldn’t have so many things to say with my art if my life lacked texture. I’ve been through it all: struggling with mental health, grappling with my cultural identity, and surviving sexual assault.

When thinking of my own journey, I think of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez saying that if she were a “rational person”, she wouldn’t have run [for Congress]. And look at where she is now. There’s something thrilling in having the odds stacked against you but still going for it because you believe you can be the change agent for a brighter future. I can use everything I’ve been through to really speak to people’s hearts and amplify their voices.

Alright, so let’s talk business.  What else should we know about your artistic career so far? What are you most proud of?
I guess you can call being an independent artist a business. I create mostly for myself but take on clients too.

I’m proud that I’m following my instinct to do what I love in life. I have to believe that I can do this and create some meaningful change. Our lives are ruled by imagery and symbolism, so art is really important! I have this gift and the chance to make something really awesome with it, so I’m not going to waste it.

As for what makes me stand out: my art is deeply rooted in my personal experiences with my hyphenated identity of Asian-American, of growing up middle class and the poor, being an immigrant, being a feminist and environmentalist, and I think that’s what resonates with my audience. Visually, I would say they are emotional and fluid pieces that utilize color to point to larger themes of culture and identity. My biggest influences are Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Cai Guo Qiang.

I get very turned off by “broad strokes” representation in media because it’s such an obvious play to capitalize on diversity as a trend. There’s no catchall representation of a person of color or anyone who lives outside the mainstream. So, I don’t rely on tropes or play it safe. People look for authenticity in art, so I think when they see me expressing my unique truth, they see there’s room for specific, detailed stories in the world – even if that story isn’t already popular. And that allows them to imagine their own story being celebrated by others too. It’s amazing. Every time somebody tells me they have been affected by my art, I feel honored and know that they’ve somehow found a piece of themselves in it. Once you realize you have that potential as an artist, you should use it.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I wouldn’t have done anything differently. I’ve learned a lot and have no regrets.

Contact Info:

• Website: cherylchanart.com
• Instagram: heycherylchan

Image Credit:
All images copyright of Cheryl Chan.

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