Meet Cayce XIAODIE Hu | Visual Artist & Publication Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cayce XIAODIE Hu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cayce XIAODIE, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Every day, I find the sublime within the ordinary, cherishing these moments and weaving them together fuels my creative impulses. My routine involves strolling through my neighborhood, sketchbook in hand, not merely to observe the current moment, but to deeply experience it. The concept of cultivating a tactile routine resonates deeply with me. I engage in the act of gathering remnants left on the streets—be it an abandoned conversation, an overlooked graphic poster, or pondering the destiny of discarded artifacts. Frequently, a single pressure line manifests in my thoughts, or I record a signage in my journal.

During moments of creative stagnation, I devise interdisciplinary cues to inspire innovation. As a practitioner of both visual and auditory arts, these two passions harmonize and bolster one another. I construct visual cues to accompany my musical compositions, and conversely, immersing myself in the sounds I’ve compiled often triggers unexpected bursts of drawing or writing, infusing a sense of renewal. Possessing proficiency across multiple artistic mediums resembles an internal dialogue conducted from diverse vantage points.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a visual artist and publication designer, passionate about literature, writing, illustration, and the craft of bookmaking. My fascination extends to calligraphy, typography, and the creation of contemporary typewriter installations. Over the past year, I’ve engaged in collaborations with poets and musicians, resulting in the creation of artist books that serve as a captivating dialogue between design and poetics. Our process involves dissecting poems and translating them into illustrated or diagrammatic spreads, enabling the essence of the content to transcend its original language.

Beginning my journey as a graphic designer, I acquired skills in delivering across diverse platforms and mastering various type sets. However, I’ve observed a shift in my focus, with a tendency to prioritize the final outcome over the experimental journey. I’ve found myself entangled in the initial brainstorming phase, often considering the market’s eventual reception and striving for an ideal design. Amidst this, I’ve managed to retain a space for my personal creativity, reserving a bit of “unconventional thinking” that is solely mine. I’ve come to recognize that the fertile ground of unproductive contemplation is where remarkable ideas tend to germinate.

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?
When my designer friends come to visit, I like to explore the artistic scene in a few distinct ways. I often check for events hosted by my favorite press, Inventory Press, and possibly plan a trip to cultural institutions like The Huntington Library. A must-visit for me is the LA Printed Matter Book Fair 2023, where I can immerse myself in the world of printed materials. On other occasions, I enjoy cruising through streets like 16th or 21st, basking in the vibes of Santa Monica Beach, and perhaps rounding off the day with a live music performance.

The Shoutout series is a platform to acknowledge the role that others have played in our journey to success. With that in mind, I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my professor, Sally Thurer. My initial exposure to the realm of artist books came through her introduction of a book titled “Understanding Molecular Typography” by H.F. Henderson. This unconventional piece took on the form of a textbook, presenting enigmatic formulas and charts that defied logic. Through its diagrams and charts, it explored the intricacies of the 24-letter alphabet. This encounter ignited my understanding of the profound impact a publication can wield. The book continues to guide my creative process, serving as a conduit for voices often overshadowed by mainstream algorithms.

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?
My first introduction to the artist book is by my professor Sally Thurer. It is a book called Understanding Molecular Typography by H.F. Henderson. It is the weirdest thing I have ever seen. It took the form of a textbook but showcased formulas that made no sense. It has diagrams and charts explaining the charges of the 24 alphabet. It gives me my first idea of the power of a publication. The book guides my creative process in providing a platform for the voices filtered by the mainstream algorithm.

Website: https://caycehudesign.cargo.site/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/caycecreate?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg==

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cayce-hu-165395223

Image Credits
Cayce Hu