Interview: Jane Chen
Luca Curci talks with Jane Chen during the 17th Edition of VENICE INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR, at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello.

Yanming Chen hails from Chengdu, a city in southwestern China that serves as a vibrant melting pot of culture, art, and diversity. Yanming’s natural curiosity and sensitivity shape her approach to learning. By exploring related fields such as illustration and animation, she keeps herself at the forefront of emerging arts and technologies, incorporating these into her distinctive artistic expressions. Yanming maintains the belief that design transcends mere communication, serving as a vessel for abstract concepts like emotion, as well as a link between humans and objects that hold meaning.

Luca Curci –  What is art for you?
Jane Chen – Art, to me, is a poignant language, a medium through which intricate emotions, stories, and experiences are conveyed. It transcends the realm of mere visual aesthetics. In the domains of UI/UX and graphic design, art merges with purpose. It extends beyond the boundaries of striking visuals; it’s about crafting an experience that feels inherently natural and intuitive to the user. In my view, art in design represents the equilibrium between elegance and functionality, the harmonious fusion of beauty and a seamless user journey. Each brushstroke or precisely placed pixel serves a dual role: to captivate aesthetically and to communicate effectively. Through art, my objective is to produce designs that not only possess visual allure but also deeply resonate with the audience, leaving an enduring imprint on their interactions and overall experiences.

LC – What are you currently working on?
JC – Currently, my focus is fully dedicated to the development of an innovative educational platform. This project holds a special place in my heart as it harmonizes my profound passion for design with the noble mission of education. The overarching aim is to establish an environment in which learners are fully immersed, where educational content is not merely consumed but genuinely experienced.
Designing for education presents a distinct set of challenges. It transcends the realm of creating visually appealing interfaces; it’s about ensuring that the design actively facilitates comprehension, retention, and the overall learning process. My approach combines cutting-edge design principles with pedagogical insights, with the ultimate goal of making learning more accessible, engaging, and enjoyable for all.

LC – How is your creative process?
JC – My creative journey is a harmonious blend of structured strategy and spontaneous bursts of inspiration. It invariably commences with a deep dive into understanding – delving into the user’s psyche, and comprehending their desires, pain points, and aspirations. This phase is characterized by meticulous user research, interviews, and data analysis. From these invaluable insights, I craft user personas that serve as the bedrock of my design strategy. However, comprehension is merely the starting point. The actual design process becomes an iterative dance of drafting, testing, and refinement. I engage in brainstorming, sketching, prototyping, and continuous testing. Every design choice, whether it pertains to typography, color schemes, or UI elements, is made with a transparent rationale firmly rooted in user-centric principles and brand identity. Throughout this journey, I place utmost importance on feedback. It serves as the guiding light, steering my iterations to ensure that the design continually evolves in harmony with user needs and preferences. One of the most gratifying aspects of my process is witnessing a project transform from a mere concept into a tangible, functional design that profoundly impacts people’s lives. In each project, my aim is not only to enhance the user experience but also to refine and elevate my craft, ensuring that each creation surpasses the previous one in excellence.

LC – Are your artworks focused on a specific theme?
JC – My design endeavours are primarily centred on the fusion of aesthetics and user-centric principles. While the themes and subjects of my projects may vary, a consistent thread runs through them – the quest to harmonize visual appeal with functional purpose. I hold a strong belief that design serves as a narrative medium, and each creation I produce tells a story, whether it’s the story of a brand, a user’s journey, or a unique experience. Over the years, I’ve observed a recurring theme in my work, which revolves around infusing user empathy into my designs. It extends beyond the realm of creating mere visual beauty; it’s about crafting experiences that deeply resonate with users, elicit emotions, and meet their specific needs. This dual pursuit of beauty and function encapsulates the essence of my work.

LC – How is being an artist nowadays
JC – Being an artist in today’s digital era is a mix of excitement and complexity. On one hand, technology has opened up new possibilities, providing tools and platforms that empower unparalleled creativity and global exposure. Through digital platforms, I can present my work to a worldwide audience, receive real-time feedback, and even collaborate with fellow artists from different corners of the globe. Nonetheless, these opportunities come with a set of challenges. The digital realm is saturated with content, and every day brings forth new trends and fads. While it’s important to stay informed and adapt, it’s equally essential to maintain one’s unique artistic voice and not be consumed by the transient nature of trends. The ever-evolving nature of digital tools and platforms also demands ongoing learning and adaptation. However, I view these challenges as catalysts for my passion. They drive me to constantly evolve, innovate, and strive for excellence within a competitive and ever-shifting landscape.

LC – Do you agree with our vision of art and what do you think about the theme of the exhibition?
JC – I resonate deeply with your perspective on art serving as a bridge between the abstract and the tangible, a vessel for encapsulating human emotions, experiences, and aspirations. Art, regardless of its form, possesses the extraordinary ability to transcend boundaries, evoke powerful emotions, and ignite meaningful conversations. Your exhibition’s theme, which highlights the convergence of traditional artistic traditions with contemporary interpretations, holds a particular allure for me. It not only celebrates the rich tapestry of our artistic heritage but also opens the door to fresh and innovative expressions. This theme provides artists with a vast canvas for experimentation and self-expression while promising the audience a multifaceted experience that spans both time and diverse artistic techniques. Your initiative is truly commendable, and I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness and participate in this remarkable artistic journey.

LC –  In which way is the artwork presented in our exhibition connected with the exhibition’s theme?
JC – One of the artworks I’ve showcased is an abstract graphic design piece that delves deep into the exploration of form, color, and the transformation of a photograph. Although it may not depict a tangible or concrete subject, it serves as a tangible representation of emotions, experiences, and the hidden patterns that shape our world. The abstraction in this piece acts as a bridge, beckoning viewers to craft their narratives and discover meaning, thereby intertwining their realities with the essence of the artwork. The fluidity and dynamism inherent in the design mirror the ever-evolving nature of both our shared and personal realities. By presenting an abstract work, I intend to provide a canvas for introspection, discussion, and a multitude of interpretations, aligning with the overarching theme of the exhibition. This piece invites viewers to explore the interplay between their unique perspectives and the abstract, thereby fostering a rich and diverse tapestry of responses and connections.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artists?
JC – Absolutely. In today’s dynamic and ever-changing art and design environment, platforms such as ITSLIQUID GROUP hold a pivotal position. They serve not only as a global stage for artists and designers to exhibit their work but also as a catalyst for valuable networking opportunities. Engaging with such a community promotes the cross-pollination of ideas, encouraging innovation and pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in the realms of art and design. The diverse array of artists and creators connected through ITSLIQUID ensures a constant flow of fresh perspectives. I firmly believe that this diversity is essential for an artist’s growth and development. It fuels creativity, nurtures collaboration, and fosters an environment where artists can explore new horizons in their artistic journeys.

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
JC – Working with your team has been an incredibly enriching experience. Right from the beginning, I’ve felt a strong sense of collaboration and mutual respect. The professionalism and unwavering dedication demonstrated by ITSLIQUID have made the entire journey, from submission to exhibition, remarkably smooth. What’s even more significant to me is the open and transparent communication channels, which have guaranteed that my artistic vision for my work has been faithfully realized in the manner I had envisioned.

LC – What do you think about ITSLIQUID Platform?
JC – The ITSLIQUID Platform is a remarkable confluence of art, design, and culture. It transcends being a mere platform; it is a movement that wholeheartedly champions the cause of artists and designers from across the world. The platform’s unwavering dedication to showcasing diverse voices and innovative works is truly commendable. Moreover, the wealth of resources, articles, and insights it offers prove to be invaluable for artists at all stages of their careers, whether budding or established. In an era where the digital landscape can often feel overwhelming, ITSLIQUID successfully curates content that strikes the balance between relevance and inspiration. This makes it an essential and indispensable resource for the global artistic community, serving as a beacon that guides and nurtures creative minds worldwide.