Stacey Chen: Limitless Possibilities
Stacey Chen is a multidisciplinary artist from Taiwan, currently based in Chicago, whose work vividly explores the boundaries between reality and imagination. Through her diverse body of work, which includes detailed dry media drawings and vibrant digital illustrations, Stacey transports viewers into whimsical and surreal worlds. Her art is a reflection of her deep fascination with fleeting moments of inspiration—those transient sparks that ignite creativity and drive artistic expression.
How did your creative journey begin?
My creative journey began in Taiwan, where the rich cultural heritage and captivating natural landscapes inspired my love for storytelling and visual expression. As I pursued industrial design, I gained a deeper understanding of structure, composition, and functionality, which profoundly shaped my creative perspective. Over time, I began merging these influences, using design principles to enhance my artistic practice. This foundation has allowed me to develop a unique style that balances precision with imagination, paving the way for international recognition in exhibitions such as the Golden Duck Gallery in Budapest and the South Arkansas Arts Center.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
I draw inspiration from the intersection of everyday life and imagination. Ordinary settings, like bustling alleys or quiet moments in nature, often serve as the starting point for my ideas. My background in industrial design encourages me to see beauty in form and function, while my artistic practice allows me to transform these observations into narratives that blend reality and creativity.
For example, in The Lettuce Girl, a simple concept is explored through playful surrealism, while Soy-stained Alley reimagines a familiar scene with nostalgic undertones. These works reflect my passion for storytelling and the ways in which small details in daily life can spark imaginative interpretations. This approach has resonated with audiences across different exhibitions and platforms.
How has your work evolved over the last few years?
Over the last few years, my work has evolved by mastering the balance between art and design, allowing me to blend functionality with emotional expression and storytelling. This synthesis has shaped a unique creative identity, enabling my pieces to resonate both visually and conceptually. My ability to approach art with the precision of a designer and design with the fluidity of an artist has been instrumental in achieving success as an international artist. Notable milestones highlight this evolution. My artwork, such as Soy-stained Alley, The Lettuce Girl, and Unruly Realm, has been featured in prestigious physical exhibitions worldwide, including the Golden Duck Gallery in Budapest, the South Arkansas Arts Center in the U.S., and the Lloydminster Museum in Canada. These exhibitions showcased my ability to combine detailed realism with whimsical, surreal elements, earning recognition and accolades, including finalist placements and awards of excellence. In juried competitions, my works have been celebrated for their conceptual depth and technical precision, further solidifying my reputation as an artist who bridges the gap between the practical and the imaginative. This balance has also enabled me to connect with a global audience through social media and digital exhibitions, allowing my art to reach and inspire diverse communities. The dual perspective I bring has not only refined my craft but has also led to tangible accomplishments, elevating my work on both creative and professional platforms.
What does a typical day in the studio look like for you, and how has your art practice grown or changed?
My studio routine is a blend of structure and creativity. I start the day by organizing my ideas, sketching, or refining ongoing projects, drawing on my industrial design training to ensure balance and clarity in my work. Afternoons are often reserved for exploration, experimenting with textures, media, or techniques that challenge my usual methods. Over the years, my practice has evolved to embrace this dual approach. For instance, while creating Thirsty, I pushed the boundaries of detail and composition, crafting a piece that feels spontaneous yet deliberate. Similarly, works like Unruly Realm reflect my growing ability to merge technical precision with emotional storytelling. These shifts have enriched my art, allowing me to connect with audiences through both physical and online exhibitions.
Which experiences have impacted your work as an artist?
Exhibiting my work internationally has been transformative, exposing me to diverse perspectives and enriching my understanding of how art connects across cultures. For example, showcasing Soy-stained Alley at the South Arkansas Arts Center and The Lettuce Girl at the Golden Duck Gallery allowed me to see how my pieces resonate with audiences beyond their visual appeal, creating deeper emotional and narrative connections. My industrial design background has also been pivotal, teaching me the importance of structure, detail, and intent. This foundation has enabled me to approach art with a unique perspective, blending functional design principles with the freedom of creative expression. Each exhibition and project reinforce the importance of this balance in defining my artistic voice.
How has social media impacted your work?
Social media has provided a platform to extend the reach of my work beyond physical exhibitions, connecting me with a global audience and fellow creatives. Works like Unruly Realm and The Lettuce Girl have found new life online, leading to opportunities such as participation in the Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery and the Biafarin Online Exhibition. It’s also allowed me to share the process behind my pieces, offering insights into how my industrial design background influences my creative decisions. Through this engagement, I’ve not only gained valuable feedback but also built a community that appreciates the balance of technical precision and storytelling in my work.
Can you share more about the themes you explore in your work?
My work often explores themes of transformation, duality, and the hidden beauty in the mundane. I’m fascinated by how everyday moments can be reimagined to reveal deeper narratives or unexpected whimsy. For instance, Thirsty reflects on the human connection to nature through surreal imagery, while Soy-stained Alley transforms a familiar urban setting into a nostalgic, dreamlike scene. These themes are rooted in my dual expertise as a designer and artist. By combining the clarity of design with the emotion of art, I aim to create works that invite viewers to see their surroundings in new and imaginative ways. Exhibitions like the Alpharetta Arts Center’s Layers and the Arts Without Borders Festival in Canada have provided platforms for exploring these ideas with wider audiences.
Interview by Emma Hapner, December 19, 2024
IG: @staceesee
Website: www.staceychen.com