Today we’d like to introduce you to Cube Li.
Hi Cube, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
At the age of 18, I acquired my first DSLR camera. I used to capture moments all around my school, fueled by my passion for photography. Later, I joined the school’s television station and started learning photography techniques on my own. After studying in China for two years, I chose to major in film. However, I quickly realized that film wasn’t my true passion; my heart was more inclined towards photography. So, I made the decision to drop out and pursue my passion for photography in the United States, where I embarked on systematic learning.
During my studies in the United States, my understanding of photography underwent a significant transformation. I realized that photography was not just a means of documenting reality; it was a medium for artistic expression. It allowed me to bring my thoughts and visions to life. Particularly in the realms of conceptual photography and abstract art, I found the most authentic ways to express myself. I specialized in conceptual photography, enjoying the process of using film to create my work. Simultaneously, I delved enthusiastically into the field of abstract art.
I discovered that throughout the entire creative process, from capturing images to working in the darkroom and finally editing the photographs, every step was under my control, enabling me to showcase my personality and creativity. Through film photography, I relished the unexpected images slowly emerging in the darkroom. This creative approach deepened my understanding of photography and intensified my passion for the art form. I realized that photography was not merely a collection of technical skills but a form of artistic expression.
Through my photography, I aim to convey the emotions and thoughts deeply rooted within me.
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?
The biggest challenge I encountered during my learning process was the inability to translate the images in my mind into technical reality. For instance, when I engaged in large-format macro photography, errors in pre-calculations, incorrect shutter and aperture values, and imprecise focus often resulted in undesirable outcomes. This led me to experiment with various approaches to achieve the desired results, a process that was both lengthy and uncertain.
Moreover, my artistic process typically begins with mental imagery, followed by implementation, and finally categorization under a theme. In the words of Claes Oldenburg, “I am for an art that grows up not knowing it is art at all,” a sentiment that strongly resonates with my creative approach. Consequently, I often find it challenging to discuss my intentions and themes with others before the completion of the entire image-making process. Only after capturing all the images can I thoroughly analyze why I made certain choices.
I acknowledge that this method has posed difficulties in communication during my learning journey, presenting a significant challenge. However, I am actively working on improving my ability to capture my inner thoughts and ideas effectively.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am currently an undergraduate student at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), majoring in photography. My primary focus in artistic creation lies within the realm of photography, especially analog photography, particularly in large format. I appreciate the diverse possibilities that large-format cameras bring to photography. One of my proudest works has emerged from my exploration and mastery of large-format camera techniques. I take pride in the uniqueness of my images, as each one is distinct and irreplaceable, making them a source of personal accomplishment for me.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Personally, I believe that patience and passion for something are incredibly important. I am generally not a very patient person; I’ve tried various mediums like sculpture and filmmaking, but when faced with difficulties, I tend to want to stop creating. However, in the realm of photography, I naturally slow down. No matter how many times I make mistakes, I take the time to reflect on the issues. I think this is because of my profound love for photography, which motivates me to persist and continue pursuing it despite the challenges.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/404art_cube/
- Email: [email protected]
