Meet JP Wang | Sculpturist & Multi-media Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with JP Wang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi JP, why did you pursue a creative career?
Before settling down in Art & Technology, I switched majors four times, exploring fields as diverse as math, economics, theater, and film. only one and only reason why I chose to pursue an artistic career: I have stories yet to tell, and I cannot live a life without making them happen.

Coming from a theater background, I deeply understand the importance of the audience’s presence in a space. My goal is to create environments that first evoke and then hold and contain emotions because this is what society lacks. I find immense joy in making this happen. I am driven to create work that benefits the community and society by fostering empathy.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As an artist, I see my job as helping everyone feel loved and eventually learn to love themselves. I explore emotion and connection through various media. Much of my work is based on empathy and extends beyond a single sculpture to create entire rooms that feel safe and warm. Art, in its essence, can serve as a form of therapy, enabling both creators and viewers to navigate the maze of emotions that define our shared human experience.
It was a long journey before I decided to focus my work on sculptures and space. I spent most of my time in theater, where I was deeply influenced by its narrative aspects. I learned so much about how props and scenic settings interact with both characters and audiences. However, I don’t want the audience to be confined to their seats; I want them to explore their own stories with the objects I create. In my art world, you decide on your own journey.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Most of my friends are art lovers and makers, so I would first schedule a glass-blowing session for us. It’s an activity that requires both creativity and collaboration, which they would love. After that, we’ll head to a hot pot restaurant for lunch to fuel up for the rest of the day’s activities.

Next, we’ll go to Santa Monica Pier. While it’s often crowded and not the best spot for a serene ocean view, I’ll strongly encourage them to join me on the roller-coaster at sunset. Seeing the sea and the sunset from the ride is incredibly romantic.

For dinner, we’ll enjoy pasta at a charming Italian restaurant in Santa Monica. Afterwards, we’ll head to a live music venue to dance and enjoy some great tunes.

In addition to these activities, we’ll also make sure to visit some art museums, like LACMA, The Getty, and the Huntington Library.

To wrap up this amazing journey, we’ll grab a drink and settle at my place to chat about our lives. We will be eager to catch up and hear about each other’s experiences.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a big shoutout to my undergraduate advisor, Mitchell Polin. He is the key keeper who opened my world to art and creation. If it weren’t for him teaching me how to turn pain into flowers, I wouldn’t be here sharing my art career today. I cannot thank him enough for guiding me on this journey.

I also want to thank my undergraduate professor, Theresa Incampo. Her kindness and insightfulness broadened my perspective on how different media can be woven together.

My parents, Qiong Zhou and Zhong Wang, are my lighthouses. No matter how far away I am, their presence in my life always reminds me where home is—a place that will always hold and protect me.

I would not be an artist without any of them in my life and soul. I truly appreciate all they have done for me.

Website: https://wangjingpei.com

Instagram: jinnng.w

Image Credits
Stills by Tian Liu and Gi Ahn