Interview with Jan Zhou — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

I grew up in Shanghai in the 70s and 80s. We didn’t have many choices at the time. My studying was limited to classrooms and text books. The first time I was exposed to art was attending an art history lecture while I was studying the mechanical design in college. It marked a turning point in my life. Immediately, I was drawn to art as a means of self-expression and I started to learn drawing and painting. It was then that my artistic talent was recognized; I made up my mind to be a fashion designer because I thought that would be the more pragmatic choice. In 1994, I was admitted to study fashion design in the United States. After my graduation, I moved to New York and worked for some famous designers. But the unhealthy and unsustainable nature of the fashion business was bringing my spirit down. It forced me to rethink the purpose of artistic existence.

I started my new life journey back to Shanghai for teaching in 2007. But I was disappointed to see that the mammonism pervaded drastically there. The school cared more about the number of students than the standards of education. This challenged my ethics on many occasions. I was in despair. Discovering meditation in 2008 helped me to get in touch with my inner self and viewing life from a fresh perspective. My experience from the east to the west is invaluable and precious to me. It is a large source of inspiration for me.

One day, at a friend’s printing factory, a material, its need for heat to settle in the fabric interested me. I loved the idea of involving natural elements during the creative process. I thought that it could be the material which I needed. When I was first experimenting with this method of creation in 2011, there were many failures and obstacles. But these errors that I encountered were actually just a wide array of unpredictable outcomes and they gave way to a great deal of inspiration as well as the opportunity to think differently. For me, it is the most fulfilling method of artistic expression. I endeavor my art to convey tranquility and inspire viewers to see beyond the physical existence.

Could you please introduce yourself and tell us how you started in the arts? and your first experience in art making?

I am an artist and designer originally from Shanghai and ventured to America for to obtain my BA from Columbia College of Chicago in the 90's. I have been practicing various forms of art for the last three decades. I used to be an animation artist, fashion designer, handcraft artist. I never planed myself to be a painter. But life sometimes does its part. While I was experimenting this material, I found that painting was the most fulfilling method for my artistic expression.

How would you describe yourself and your artwork?

I think that I am a simple person who is an observer in life, seeking the spirituality for the wisdom of life, and evolution. I love to share my view through my creative work, wishing my artworks can send the positive energy to viewers, and benefit the humanity

Where do you get your inspiration from?

My journey of personal observations, struggles and inevitably search for the meaning of life have influenced my art.

What emotions do you hope the viewers experience when looking at your art?

I have been living in the east and west for the last two decade. Unfortunately, I found that much fear for life blinds us from the reality. The true life and beauty lies behind an imperfection, and incompleteness of nature’s way. The prejudice made us judgmental, isolated us from our true self. We are currently living in a very interesting era of human history where spiritual awareness hopes to blossom. I long for my art to transmit a tranquil vibration and inspire viewers to see beyond the physical existence.

When do you know that an artwork is finished ?

The beauty of my art technique lies in a physical transformation of energy. When a molecule is heated, it transcends cosmic time and space to form its destined artistic design. Most of times, it comes out an unexpected way. I have to work along accordingly. The painting gave way to a great deal of inspiration as well as the opportunity to make me think differently. Only when the vibration of the images is all harmonizing, I knew my work was done.

What has been the most exciting moment in your art career so far?

When my work is appreciated by its audiences, I always felt the joy. Especially when people asked me some details or elements which I did on the painting, I felt that it is so wonderful to share the stores behind my art with audience.

How long does it take to produce one work?

My particular material and technique require the natural elements, such as air, temperature, etc. There are many processing involved. It is all done in a natural way by hand. Depends on the how complicated the details are, they are various from a couple months to a few months.

What exciting projects are you working on right now?

I'm currently working on a series based on the life of the withering flowers. I'm intrigued by them and often see their strength. When comes the time of withering, that spirit of fearlessness and courage is a true beauty and inspiration. We human are living in constantly fears and worries. These fears block our view to see clearly, and to feel our inner guidance. There is saying “To see the world in a wild flower, a buddhi in a leaf”. I wish we can walk out our little cocoon and be inspired by the creatures surround us.