10 Questions with Stacey Chen

Stacey (Tingyun) Chen is a celebrated multidisciplinary artist. While completing her bachelor's degree in art and design at Pratt Institute, she received multiple scholarships and excelled in various competitions. Having completed her master's in design innovation at Northwestern University, she is now a Chicago-based artist specializing in drawing, illustration, digital art, graphic design, and product design.

Stacey's diverse artistic endeavors highlight her exceptional ability to blend art, people, and culture into compelling visual narratives. Her work reflects a deep appreciation for the ordinary moments of life, infusing them with profound beauty and meaning. Through her meticulous and imaginative approach, she creates art that invites viewers to explore the intricacies of memory, emotion, and the human experience. Her unique perspective and innovative techniques continue to captivate and inspire a wide audience, making her a notable and influential figure in the contemporary art scene.

www.staceychen.com

ARTIST STATEMENT

Stacey Chen is a Taiwanese multidisciplinary artist currently based in Chicago. Her creative journey, profoundly influenced by her background in industrial design and passion for visual storytelling, allows her to explore and merge various mediums and techniques. Specializing in dry media drawing, illustration, digital art, graphic design, and product design, her work reflects the intricate dance between form and function, where aesthetic beauty meets purposeful design.

Stacey's artistic practice is deeply rooted in the exploration of everyday life and the profound beauty found in ordinary moments. She is captivated by the stories embedded in our surroundings, the subtle interplay between people and their environments, and the cultural narratives that shape our identities. Her work serves as a homage to these everyday experiences, capturing their intrinsic connections and imbuing them with a sense of wonder and significance.

One of her notable works, "Soy-stained Alley," exemplifies this approach. In this piece, Stacey immerses viewers in a bustling urban setting, where a soy sauce bottle placed within an intricate alleyway becomes a symbol of nostalgia and memory. This ordinary object, amidst weathered brick walls and creeping vines, evokes a sense of timelessness, highlighting how small details can carry deep cultural and emotional resonance. Through this work, she invites viewers to explore the nuances of memory and the power of storytelling, encouraging them to find beauty and meaning in the mundane.

Her artistic endeavors are characterized by a meticulous and imaginative approach, where each piece is crafted to evoke contemplation and connection. Stacey believes that art has the power to transcend boundaries, offering unique perspectives that resonate with diverse audiences. Her goal is to create visual narratives that reflect her personal experiences while resonating universally, bridging the gap between individual and collective memory.

In her practice, Stacey constantly seeks to push the boundaries of traditional mediums, experimenting with new techniques and technologies to enhance her storytelling. Whether through the tactile quality of dry media or the dynamic possibilities of digital art, she strives to create works that are both visually striking and emotionally engaging. Her background in industrial design informs this process, providing a structured yet flexible framework that allows her to navigate the complexities of form, space, and composition.

As a Chicago-based artist, Stacey is inspired by the city's vibrant cultural landscape and its rich history of artistic innovation. This dynamic environment fuels her creativity and motivates her to continue exploring new frontiers in her work. She is dedicated to contributing to the contemporary art scene through exhibitions, collaborations, and community engagements, sharing her vision and connecting with audiences on a deeper level.

INTERVIEW

First of all, can you share some insights about your early life and what initially sparked your interest in art and design?

I was born and raised in Taiwan in a family deeply rooted in the business world. While my parents were professional business people, my mother had a strong appreciation for paintings, modern art, and what she called "good-looking things." Her passion for aesthetics profoundly influenced me and sparked my interest in art and design from a young age.
Growing up, I became increasingly attentive to the visual language of everyday objects. I began drawing extensively as a child and developed a keen interest in learning about art and its creation. Despite art not being a required subject, I enthusiastically enrolled in art classes every semester throughout elementary, middle, and high school.
My passion for art continued to grow, leading me to pursue my dream of studying art and design at a higher level. This ambition took me to New York, the epicenter of modern art and design, where I attended college. It was there that I started creating artwork more professionally, further honing my skills and solidifying my career as a multidisciplinary artist.

How did your time at the Pratt Institute and Northwestern University shape your artistic style and approach to design?

My time at Pratt Institute laid a solid foundation for me as a traditional fine artist, while my experience at Northwestern University broadened my vision as a multidisciplinary artist. At Pratt, I dedicated countless hours to creating large-scale drawings and sculptural pieces, developing strong technical skills, and reflecting deeply on my artistic identity and messages. The recognition I received, including several scholarships, validated my dedication and talent, boosting my confidence and encouraging me to pursue ambitious projects.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced me to reevaluate my artistic career, leading me to Northwestern University for a program in human-centered design. There, I learned to approach art with an empathetic perspective, focusing on the principles of viewer-centered methodology. This taught me the importance of considering audience needs and desires, particularly in art museum contexts, allowing me to create more enriching and meaningful experiences.
Graduating from these prestigious institutions provided me with a strong professional network and a reputation that opened doors to various opportunities. The blend of technical training from Pratt and the empathetic, audience-focused approach from Northwestern continues to shape my artistic style and design philosophy, ensuring my work remains impactful and relevant in solving complex visual communication problems.

How do your cultural background and experiences living in different places influence your artwork?

My cultural background and experiences living in different places have profoundly shaped my artistic vision. Growing up in Taiwan, I was surrounded by a rich cultural heritage that emphasized tradition, family, and community. This environment instilled in me a deep appreciation for intricate details and symbolic meanings, which are integral elements in my work. The cultural stories and visual aesthetics of Taiwan have given me a strong foundation that I continually draw upon in my artistic practice.
Moving to New York for my studies at Pratt Institute was a transformative experience that expanded my horizons. The vibrant, diverse art scene in New York exposed me to a wide range of styles, techniques, and perspectives. The dynamic and fast-paced environment of the city inspired me to explore themes of urban life and the tension between tradition and modernity. This period in New York was crucial in helping me blend my traditional Taiwanese influences with contemporary artistic practices, resulting in a unique and evolving style.
Returning to Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed me a period of reflection and reconnection with my roots. It was during this time that I decided to further my education at Northwestern University in Chicago, where I delved into human-centered design. Chicago's rich history of innovation and cultural diversity influenced my approach to creating art that resonates with a broader audience. By incorporating elements from my Taiwanese heritage, the vibrant energy of New York, and the innovative spirit of Chicago, I create visual narratives that bridge cultural divides and celebrate both individuality and commonality.

How have industry recognitions and awards influenced your confidence and development as a professional artist?

Industry recognitions and awards have had a profound impact on my confidence and development as a professional artist.They validated my skills and efforts, affirming that my work resonates with others and has merit. Each award boosted my self-assurance, encouraging me to push my creative boundaries and take on more ambitious projects.
These awards provided me with the resources to invest in higher-quality materials and dedicate more time to my artistic practice. This allowed me to experiment with new techniques and mediums, refining my skills and expanding my artisticrepertoire. Competing and succeeding in various art competitions also exposed me to a broader community of artists and critics, offering valuable feedback and new perspectives that enriched my work.
Overall, these achievements have played a crucial role in shaping my artistic journey. They reinforced my belief in my abilities and motivated me to continually strive for excellence. The recognition and support I received not only helped me grow as an artist but also inspired me to create work that is meaningful and impactful.

Could you walk us through your creative process? How do you approach a new project from conception to completion?

My creative process begins organically as I find inspiration strikes at unexpected moments in my daily life. When an idea comes to mind, I immediately jot it down in my sketchbook. This allows me to capture the essence of the idea and reflect on it during my spare time, even while working on other projects.
Once I have a clear vision of the idea, I start developing it further in my sketchbook, sketching out rough concepts. While I don't plan every detail from the start, I do focus on the big picture and the core message I want to convey through my work. This overarching vision guides my process.
From there, I allow the creation process to unfold naturally, adapting and refining my work based on the chosen medium and any new insights that emerge along the way. This flexible approach enables me to stay open to new ideas and ensures that the final product is both cohesive and creatively authentic.

With expertise in drawing, illustration, digital art, graphic design, and product design, do you have a favorite medium to work with, and why?

As a multidisciplinary artist, I enjoy the best of all worlds, finding that each discipline enhances and complements the others. While these practices may seem distinct, they are highly cross-functional and diversely useful in my career.
For instance, during my time invested in toy design, my skills in illustration and digital art were invaluable for depicting toy concepts and visualizing how children within the target age group would interact with them. Similarly, my graphic design expertise seamlessly translates into product design, where my drawing and illustration skills often come in handy.
I don't have a single favorite medium or practice in art and design. As a multidisciplinary artist, I frequently utilize multiple skills simultaneously. However, my work tends to stay digital nowadays, as it offers great flexibility and precision. That said, I still enjoy drawing with dry media on a physical canvas outside of my work projects, appreciating the tactile and immediate nature of traditional art.

Your work often revolves around ordinary moments infused with profound beauty and meaning, as you mention in your statement. What themes do you find yourself most drawn to in your art, and why?

I am deeply drawn to the themes of overlooked moments and the simple joys of daily life. My inspiration often arises spontaneously as I move through my daily routine, reflecting my appreciation for the profound beauty in the ordinary. I believe that the small pleasures and everyday encounters we often overlook can bring us immense joy and meaning.
My artwork serves as a tribute to the enduring essence of everyday life and the deep connections we form with our surroundings. A prime example is one of my favorite pieces, "Soy-stained Alley." This work transcends a simple depiction of an urban corner by featuring a common, everyday object—a soy sauce bottle—set within a detailed alley scene. The soy sauce bottle holds significant cultural and emotional weight because it is a staple in many households, especially in Asian cultures. It represents more than just a condiment; it embodies family traditions, communal meals, and the comfort of home-cooked food. In "Soy-stained Alley," this object symbolizes the resilience and richness of daily life, celebrating moments and items that, though seemingly insignificant, carry deep cultural and emotional resonance.
By featuring such a familiar and culturally rich object in my artwork, I aim to highlight the beauty and significance found in everyday items and scenes. This approach invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences and connections, evoking memories of shared meals, family gatherings, and the warmth of home. Through my art, I strive to present a unique perspective that resonates with a wide audience, encouraging them to appreciate the subtle beauty in everyday experiences and explore the powerful stories these moments can tell.

Can you tell us about some of the innovative techniques you employ in your work and how they contribute to your unique visual narratives? 

When visualizing my ideas, I employ several techniques to craft unique and compelling visual narratives. One keyapproach is the meticulous planning and selection of colors for the canvas. This is particularly crucial in my work, which explores the whimsical and surreal intersections of nature and human experience. By thoughtfully juxtaposing and harmonizing colors, I ensure that each element of the visual story is enhanced and enriched, creating a dynamic and engaging narrative.
Additionally, I utilize digital tools to elevate my visual storytelling. Leveraging software for digital painting and 3D modeling, I can experiment with various compositions and perspectives before finalizing a design. This approach provides greater flexibility and creativity during the planning stages, allowing me to refine and perfect the visual narrative. The result is a final piece that is not only visually striking but also conceptually robust, offering a rich and immersive experience for the viewer.

What are some of the projects you are currently working on, and what can audiences expect from your upcoming work?

Currently, I'm working on several projects that celebrate and recognize my Taiwanese culture. One of these projects is a series of digital paintings that depict traditional Taiwanese festivals and customs. By incorporating vibrant colors and intricate details, I aim to capture the essence and spirit of these cultural events, offering viewers an immersive experience that highlights the richness of Taiwanese heritage.
Another project focuses on the natural landscapes of Taiwan, blending realistic and surreal elements to create visually captivating scenes. This work not only showcases the breathtaking beauty of Taiwan's environment but also explores the deep connection between nature and cultural identity. Audiences can expect a unique fusion of traditional and contemporary artistic techniques, resulting in pieces that are both visually striking and culturally enriching.
Through these projects, I strive to provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of Taiwanese culture, inviting viewers to explore and connect with its diverse traditions and natural beauty.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for your career? Are there any new mediums, themes, or projects you are excited to explore in the future?

Looking ahead, my career aspirations involve continuously pushing the boundaries of my creative expression and exploring new mediums and themes that deeply resonate with diverse audiences. I am particularly excited about delving into the intersection of technology and nature, exploring how digital advancements can both complement and clash with the natural world. This theme is increasingly relevant in today's rapidly changing environment and offers a rich tapestry of ideas to explore artistically.
Additionally, I plan to continue celebrating and incorporating elements of my Taiwanese heritage into my work, ensuring that my cultural background remains a vibrant and integral part of my artistic journey. By blending these cultural elements with contemporary themes, I aim to create art that is both visually compelling and culturally enriching.
Overall, my goal is to produce art that is not only visually striking but also thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. By embracing new technologies and innovative themes, I aspire to expand the reach and impact of my work, inspiring and connecting with audiences around the world.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.