Today we’d like to introduce you to Lava Wu.
Hi Lava, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Before the age of 20, I did not pursue any formal studies in art, nor did I pay significant attention to the field. The idea of pursuing art as a career or entering an art-related graduate program never crossed my mind. However, during a trip to Amsterdam in 2017, I unexpectedly came across the Miffy Anniversary Exhibition, which opened my eyes to the profound impact and aesthetics of art for the first time. This experience inspired me to start studying drawing and painting in my free time, eventually leading me to switch my major from Economics to Illustration and later, Fine Art. As someone with a background in social sciences, I have developed a keen awareness of social issues, such as cognitive psychology, urban life, and environmental sustainability, which deeply influence my artistic development. I strive to visualize emotions, theories, and thought-provoking concepts in my work, aiming to create meaningful pieces that engage with important societal themes.
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?
Embarking on a career in Fine Art can be a challenging journey, particularly for recent graduates and underrepresented groups. For many artists, the biggest hurdle lies in creating unique works that reflect their personal style and thinking, gaining recognition from the external world, and continually making progress in art-making after successfully engaging in the art market. Currently, I am in the stage of exploring my own visual language. One of the challenges I face is bridging the gap between realism and the subject matters I wish to convey, which often leaves me feeling like I am floating in mid-air. To overcome this, I actively engage in reading and doing research on real-world cases that align with my areas of interest (human development, environmental sustainability, mythology and healing), seeking to inform and enrich my artistic practice.
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 painter, illustrator, and writer who works with topics related to psychology, mythology, human development, and environmental sustainability. Painting and mixed media sculpture are my primary mediums, and I am currently exploring a combination of creative writing and visual journal. Over time, I have developed my “weird humorous” visual language by incorporating bold color palettes, metaphoric symbols, and fun compositions. In the past three years, visual art has been my primary means of communication to raise questions and initiate discussions. Through exhibitions, I have covered numerous issues such as feminism and women’s health, poverty and human rights, consumerism, and environmental protection. Detective and suspense novels, as well as TV series, are also significant sources of my inspiration. When creating artwork, I enjoy incorporating “clues” and “foreshadowing” in the form of content, subjects, composition, and metaphors, hoping that the audience can discover my “tricks.” This process is as enjoyable as writing a detective novel that requires the author to design clever “tricks.” The scene design in suspense movies also inspires me in the application of color and materials. I hold a Master of Arts degree in Illustration from the Maryland Institute College of Art and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Durham University.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
In my elementary school days, I had a passion for designing paper and board games and invited my classmates to participate. I designed a wide range of small games (including lottery, Sudoku, and puzzle games) and sketched the game scenes and decorations on my notebook. I would also establish scoring rules, scoreboards and even prepare small prizes for the participants. Reflecting on those memories, I recognize that this early experience reflects a designer’s mindset, showcasing my inherent affinity for creative pursuits since childhood.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alkali_lava/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/qifan-lava-wu-06a1b7231/
Image Credits
Lava(Qifan) Wu
