10 Questions with Yuchen Lu

Originally from Beijing, Yuchen Lu is an illustrator now based in New York. She received an illustration degree from the School of Visual Arts. She finds inspiration from nature, mythologies, fairytales, and dreams, stemming from a fascination with fantasy since her childhood. Yuchen draws in pen and ink and then colors each piece digitally.

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ARTIST STATEMENT

“Inspirations for my work are from my hometown, literature, childhood memories, and dreams. I am touched by what Yukio Mishima writes in Snow Spring: “Dreams, memories, the sacred — they are all alike in that they are beyond our grasp. Once we are even marginally separated from what we can touch, the object is sanctified; it acquires the beauty of the unattainable, the quality of the miraculous. Everything, really, has this quality of sacredness, but we can desecrate it at a touch.” - Yuchen Lu

INTERVIEW

First of all, introduce yourself to our readers. Who are you, and how did you start experimenting with images?

My name is Yuchen Lu. I was born and raised in Beijing, China. My grandfather is a master of traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy. My dad loves traditional Chinese painting as well; we always have Chinese paintings, ceramics, and vases in our home. When I was in Beijing, my family lived very close to the Central Academy of Fine Arts, which is the top art school in China. I studied oil painting there for a year. So when growing up, I was lucky to have more access to art than most Chinese children. But I guess the most important thing is I really really like drawing. After graduating from the School of visual arts, I became a full-time artist.

How would you define yourself as an artist today? And how has this definition changed over the years?

I would say I am a storyteller. It's about finding a way to communicate and connect with others through creative expression. If not drawing, it could be painting, animation, music, writing, or any artistic expression. I am passionate about what I do, and I believe it is the driving force behind my artistic journey.

You are currently based in New York, yet your work seems deeply rooted in traditional Chinese imagery. How do you balance these two elements?

I've been told that art is about personal voice; it's a form of self-expression. And I totally agree. I incorporate traditional Chinese elements in my work, consciously or unconsciously. It is part of me, and there is no way to separate it from my creative process. Balancing these two elements is an ongoing exploration that involves finding connections between my background and my presence.
Also, I think incorporating a personal voice helps form a connection between the artist and the viewers. Staying true to the artwork and sharing unique stories and backgrounds is a way for viewers to establish a genuine and sincere connection. The relatability fosters empathy and understanding, allowing viewers to see themselves in the artwork and establish a sense of shared experiences or emotions.

Let's talk about your work. What is your main aim as an artist?

Drawing inspiration from ancient mythologies, homelands, and the enigmatic landscapes of dreams, my art serves as a visual exploration of the mysteries and wonders that lie beyond our everyday experiences. Through intricate details, colors, and atmospheres, I aim to transport viewers to realms where reality intertwines with the fantastical. My artistic process is a fusion of traditional and digital techniques, allowing me to blend intricate hand-drawn elements with the versatility and experimentation afforded by digital media. This duality mirrors the nature of the subjects I explore

Mushrooms, mixed media, 28x35 cm, 2022 © Yuchen Lu

What messages do you want to convey with your work?

People describe my work as dreamlike and poetic. To be honest, when I create, I don't have any message for the viewers. It's more like self-expression. My dream, my memories, my imagination. But I hope my work could evoke certain feelings or touch the soft spot of viewers rather than make people think it's just a nice picture.

You work with pen and ink and then color your works digitally. How does it help you achieve the result you want? And why did you choose to use this technique?

I use pen and ink, then color digitally. My style has evolved over the years, shaped by my experiences and experimentation. Initially, I focused on traditional techniques. I love the feel of the paper texture and having precise control over the line. It provides a unique, organic quality that can be difficult to replicate on computers. As for why I chose pen and ink, it may be related to my personal experience. I really like the delicate lines in traditional Chinese paintings. I watched many Japanese manga and animations when growing up. Pen and ink are just more familiar to me. As I explored different art mediums, I liked the flexibility and versatility digital media has, so I began using digital tools in my work.

You have already had several exhibitions. What do you think about the art community and market?

I am excited about the opportunities that the art market presents. It provides a platform for me to showcase my work, gain recognition, and connect with potential customers and fellow artists. Exhibitions offer a chance to engage with a wider audience, receive feedback, and build a network within the art community. It always sounds cool to me to be an artist, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to do what I do.

What are you working on now, and what are your plans for the future? Anything exciting you can tell us about?

I am creating a series of drawings that involves more space. I feel like the use of space would add more depth to my drawing visually and also in terms of storytelling. It's a bit self-challenging; it's not my favorite to draw architecture/interior; it takes time and is complex, but I still want to explore.
Also, there are more creative fields I wish to explore. I hope to learn more innovative techniques and hopefully make my work look more original and stronger

Jellyfish, mixed media, 28x35 cm, 2022 © Yuchen Lu

And finally, where do you see yourself and your work in five years from now?

I hope to expand my presence in the illustration world, collaborate with other brands or artists, and offer more exhibition opportunities. I hope in five years, I will still have a big passion for art/illustration since this is what I have always wanted to do. I've also thought about being a full-time fine artist, but that's kind of too ideal and unrealistic.
As for my work, I kind of look forward to seeing how I would progress. Will my work be so different? Will I use different media, subject matters, etc? I feel that artwork reflects the state of mind when an artist creates that piece. To a certain extent, it is like writing a personal diary.

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.

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