We had the good fortune of connecting with Heidi Minghao He and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heidi Minghao, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursued a creative career because creativity has always been deeply woven into my life. From an early age, it was my way of navigating the world, offering solace during difficult times and serving as a language when words fell short. In my early 20s, I often retreated into painting, using art to explore emotions and hidden aspects of myself. This process of self-expression and discovery became a vital part of who I am. The more I created, the more I realized that my passion extended beyond the art itself—it was about the impact it had on me and those around me.

As I grew in both confidence and skill, I began to see creativity as not just a personal outlet but as a means to empower others. The transition from artist to creative technologist allowed me to merge art and technology, crafting experiences that invite others to explore their own emotions and ideas. Projects like “The Breathing Walls,” where brainwaves interact with architectural environments, reflect my desire to create spaces where people can engage with themselves and others in meaningful ways. Ultimately, I pursued a creative career because it allows me to connect, inspire, and contribute to something greater than myself.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career is a fusion of art and technology, and what sets me apart is my ability to navigate between these two worlds to create meaningful, human-centered experiences. With a foundation in computer science and studio art, I’ve always been driven by the idea of pushing creative boundaries through emerging technologies. From permanent installations for tech companies like TikTok and Google to interactive artworks like The Breathing Walls, I strive to make technology feel personal and accessible, connecting people to it in ways that are both intuitive and emotionally resonant.

It definitely wasn’t an easy path. As a foreigner in a new country, pursuing a creative tech career came with its own set of challenges, especially in an industry marked by rapid change and uncertainty. Early on, I struggled with the pressure of perfectionism and finding my confidence as an artist. But over time, I learned to embrace experimentation and failure as part of the process. I discovered that growth comes from iteration, not immediate perfection, and that every project, no matter how small, contributes to a larger narrative. One of my proudest achievements is the Backslash Art Fellowship, which gave me the opportunity to fully focus on my art and led to future projects that pushed my creativity even further.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to stay open, persistent, and willing to adapt. It’s also important to nurture connections both inside and outside your field, as collaboration can unlock new perspectives. My story and my brand are rooted in the idea that technology can be a tool for human connection and expression, and I’m excited to continue exploring how art and tech can intersect to create impactful, emotional experiences for people everywhere.

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.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d start by showing them my work and some of my favorite tech-inspired spots. We’d visit the Museum of Computer History in Mountain View to explore the evolution of tech, followed by a stop at Stanford University to check out its beautiful campus and the Cantor Arts Center. For food, we’d grab lunch at Oren’s Hummus Shop in Palo Alto. The day would end with a sunset walk at Shoreline Park.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to Christie Neptune, my incredible collaborator on our film, Light Years Apart. Her artistic vision and commitment to pushing boundaries have been truly inspiring throughout our journey. Working together on this afro-surrealist sci-fi fantasy has been an extraordinary experience, and her influence has deeply shaped both the creative and technological aspects of the project. Christie’s passion and creativity have been instrumental in bringing the film to life, and I’m grateful for our collaboration.

Website: https://www.heidihe.com

Image Credits
picture of Light Years Apart credit to Christie Neptune

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