Rising Stars: Meet Wei Ren of San Francisco

Today we’d like to introduce you to Wei Ren

Hi Wei, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I define myself as a spatial environment designer and artist, engaged in both the tangible and virtual domains.

Much like other budding artists with a penchant for drawing since their formative years, my math books were adorned with sketches rather than equations. Reading Kai-Fu Lee’s ‘Making a World of Difference’ spurred me to reflect on the legacy I wished to leave behind. While scientific knowledge might be eclipsed by advanced technologies, art possesses an enduring ability to transcend historical periods. Each artwork is unique, leaving an indelible mark of the creator’s character. It was then that I committed to pursuing a career in art.

Although I embarked on my artistic journey later than most, not taking up drawing until high school, I chose a culturally focused high school in Shanghai over a prestigious one renowned for its recommendations. There, I immersed myself in environmental art design.

Keen to delve into the origins of art, I selected Italy, the birthplace of the Renaissance, for my studies. After a year learning Italian in Siena, I recognized that Italy was better suited for enjoying life than rigorous studying. Despite traversing the entire country solo, attending numerous exhibitions and shows, I returned to China to advance my studies in interior design.

An opportunity arose to study interior and spatial design at the University of the Arts London (UAL). My exchange student year proved challenging yet enriching, culminating in my pursuit of a master’s degree. In London, I shifted from acquiring technical skills to evolving into a genuine artist, learning to design through research and context. As the sole exchange student at UAL during that period, I broadened my perspective.

After completing my initial interior design degree in China, I moved to Shenzhen for my first job as an interior designer. However, due to health issues, I transitioned to a role as an interior design tutor. My active mind led me to believe that interior design restricted the imaginative field. This prompted me to pursue a second master’s degree in environmental design for game development in San Francisco.

During the extensive MFA program, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated my stay in China, balancing work with studies. Additionally, I initiated two business ventures in China. In 2023, I concluded my studies in San Francisco. Thanks to OPT regulations, I am currently in the USA. The educational experiences in the UK and the USA varied significantly. While the USA’s system resembled that of China, the UK emphasized research and context in their study approach.

Reflecting on my unique educational journey across various countries and degrees in design and art, I aim to distill an art language capable of permeating any artistic or design field. Termed as an art language, it aligns with fine art principles. I firmly believe that an artist’s past experiences significantly influence their artwork. Now, at this stage of my life, I aspire to apply this art language to the contemporary digital art world.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

At a very young age, I chose the less conventional path, placing all my beliefs in the realm of art. My family has no connection to art, and I lack the financial resources of those typically pursuing an art education. When I reached a crucial decision point, I struggled to determine the direction to take, compounded by persistent financial challenges. Many people engage in occupations solely for monetary gain, resorting to unethical practices. I have witnessed enough of this. Furthermore, a significant shift occurred when I changed my major from interior architecture to the game industry. However, this transition didn’t take long, as I swiftly became a concept artist within just six months.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I identify as a spatial environment designer and artist, involved in both tangible and virtual realms, with a specialization in environment concepts.

Upon opening my portfolio, you’ll encounter a diverse array of my work. It spans from 2D elements like concept art, graphic design, illustration, layouts, paintings, and photography, to 3D creations such as installations, interior designs, window displays, and performance art.

My educational background in environment art design, encompassing interior and landscape design, enhanced my understanding of spatial design during my first master’s degree. Subsequently, my professional experience as an interior designer and tutor revealed the limitations of interior design on my imaginative concepts, leading me to transition into the game world.

Among my favorite art pieces are those unrelated to commercial endeavors—unfinished works in progress. While commercial artworks seem transient and geared for the market, I prefer pieces that express my personal experiences. One such piece is my incomplete work, the Limbo Pavilion, which was the focus of my first master’s graduation project. It symbolizes my enduring journey and incorporates the challenges I faced, remaining unfinished.

What sets me apart from others is my life experience of traversing various countries and forming connections with numerous friends. These experiences enrich my artwork, allowing me to infuse more depth and perspective into my creations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://yuiisuniquegenius.myportfolio.com/concept-art
• Instagram: yuis_artwork

Image Credits
Shinto Shrine, Zoe, Outside the space, Temple