Meet Shuyi Chen

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

Hi Shuyi, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’ve often been asked where I’m from and have struggled to answer this question many times. Specifically, I’m from Chaoshan, China, grew up in Foshan, China, and studied in Guangzhou, China before college. These three cities are located in the Canton area, which is known for being hot, humid, and laid-back. I can say that my work has been significantly influenced by the Canton vibe—humid, mysterious, and somewhat fragile.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a mixed media artist working with film photography, ceramics, weaving, painting, and more. I’m always excited about exploring and learning new mediums, often finding ways to combine them. I’d say I’m gradually moving in the direction I want and shaping my practice. I tend to learn whatever interests me. For example, I knew I was more interested in film photography than digital, so when I was at SVA for my Photography BFA, I enrolled in all the film photography courses I could. It wasn’t easy getting to this point, especially since I realized I wasn’t satisfied with just taking photos. I sought to expand my practice, learning hand-building, wheel-throwing, and even trying some painting, weaving… I’m the kind of person who believes that when you doubt yourself and have nothing to do, it’s time to learn new techniques. I just want the world to know that I’m slowly but surely working on my practice, and that’s enough for me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Since my best friend visited me this summer while I was in New York, I decided to create a little itinerary for the city. Here are some of my favorite spots and activities that I think capture the essence of New York.

Eat: Di An Di, Hirohisa, Olle, Koloman, The Gallery by odo, Odo, Jukai, Lodi, Hunan Slurp, Saint Julivert
Drink: Sey, Kettl, Stumptown Coffee Roasters
Museum: The Met, MoMA, Guggenheim, New Museum
Hangout: Vital, Happy Medium, Loop of the loom, Desert Vintage, Bode, Primary Essential

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to Shiloh, my partner, who has always been supportive, inspiring me greatly, and giving me unconditional love. I also want to give a shoutout to clay, which has taught me to be humble, to be soft, to accept what happens, and to maintain a certain balance.

Website: shuyichen.me

Instagram: shuyinini

Image Credits
my personal headshot is taken by Crete Chen.