The Interview with Hua Feng

Leah C.

February 7, 2010 - 3:16 PM

A couple weeks ago I was in an interview with my friend Alex Chu. He was interested in interviewing UO art students and asked me to join him in the Mills International Center for some Q & A. Their magazine, "Hua Feng" is free Chinese student magazine. Issues are available all around campus such as the MCC, Chinese Flagship office, EMU, and EALL. If there are any questions or concerns please contact Alex at alexchu22atgmail (dot) com. This is the magazine's first year in circulation. I think it's a fantastic way to represent the Chinese voice in the University community, as well as learning more about my fellow peers. Here is the rough draft he sent to me for editing. During the interview I was in a rush and blanked out on a few questions. These questions mostly relate to how my background and heritage has influenced my art and personal aesthetics.

What is your name, major, class standing, and tell us about one of your favorite activities/hobbies?

"Leah Chan, Digital Arts, Junior, Wushu club/team, designing for other student groups,
aquarium enthusiast."

What classes are you taking here at the University of Oregon and when do you expect to graduate?

"Currently I am taking US women's history, Chinese history past and present, and digital illustration. Spring term of 2011 is my expected graduation date."

Future Plans?

"I plan to do one extra year of post graduate work at the University of Oregon White Stag building in Portland. I hope to pursue an internship in digital arts before joining the work force."

Why did you choose your major of study? What previous experiences have influenced you?

"I have always been a fine arts person. Pencil and paint was my only medium especially in my high school years. It's much harder to find a stable career as an artist, so I decided to change to digital arts because of the job opportunities available. I am also very interested in digital arts and graphics, and having my work displayed to the public. Also have an obsession with package design."

What experiences do you have with Chinese culture?

"My family background is Chinese. Portland, my home town, has also exposed me to the Chinese community through parades and celebrations. I love the design and how it's all so traditional. During my Junior and Senior years of High School, I was in the IB art classes and my main focus was Chinese symbolisms and icons. I chose that topic, because I wanted to learn more about my culture. I saw many animal symbols and distinct colors in my relative's house and I was curious what significant meaning they represented. In class I would research and incorporate these ideas into my artwork."

Do you see your Chinese heritage or upbringing as a defining aspect of your life? Can you relate it to any of your daily habits, personality traits, and etcetera?

"I grew up in a Chinese household. I really like to associate myself with my Chinese heritage and my family background. I feel like it makes me unique and I want to be able to express my love of my heritage and background through my work."

How has your Chinese upbringing or relevant cultural experiences affected your sense of aesthetics? How are these aspects reflected in your projects?

"I feel that my aesthetic taste is very broad as an artist, but I am personally interested in Asian or Chinese designs. Red is one of my favorite colors which has a very important symbolic meaning of health and longevity. Traditional Chinese design and fashion is very exotic and captivating to me because it's so different from American design and fashion. I feel a connection to it and it's something I can relate to through various avenues in life. "

What are you sources of inspiration? Who is your muse?

"My father, a Chinese painter, is one of my sources of inspiration. I wish to do work that he would be proud of and can relate to in a thematic sense. I value his opinions and his sense of judgment both as an artist and his sense of aesthetics. I feel like this is an important bridge to our cultural differences and background. I incorporate a fusion of western designs with Chinese themes, symbols. I use both Chinese and western media and styles in my work."

If you could have a 2 hour luncheon with 5 people who would you choose? These people can be deceased or alive, they will resurrect for your luncheon.

1. My great grandmother, I was very close to her. When she passed away I realized that there was so much I wanted to talk to her about.
2. Leonard DaVinci, He's a genius. An inventor and artist.
3. Mr. Rogers, I think that would be fun.
4. Chang Yu-yi from the memoir, "Bound Feet & Western Dress."
5. My siblings? Can that be one?

How are your projects unique? Is there a particular style that you apply to your projects?

"I am especially interested in work that has to do with motion. Either through the process or the actual motion itself likes strokes or design. Asian influenced designs are also very interesting and make my designs unique from other people."

When people look at your projects, what general feelings or thoughts do you want them to have?

"I want people to be amazed and able to appreciate the time or the meticulousness of the work. Especially as a student, I want people to understand the struggle of the art students who are trying to design and the amount of time that they put into their work. I believe there is a sense of self-perfection in most artists, because I always know that something can be done better or changed."

How does your artwork reflect your personality?

"I don't think it reflects my personality but more of what makes me unique and my background."

What is your favorite work of art in mind?

"A sculpture I did in high school (the crane one)."

What is your favorite drink?

"Iced water. It's not the taste but the experience."

Do you have struggles or conflicts when working?

"I have a tendency to go into too much detail and be too meticulous."

What is your least favorite fashion trend?

"Holiday themed sweaters"

If you had two wishes, what would you wish for?

"I would wish for happiness for my family and friends & personal success in all aspects of life."

Thanks for your time! Is there anything you would like to add?

"Alex! You're the best!"