Meet Michael Gao Shan | Founder of kumo-vision photography

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Gao Shan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, why did you pursue a creative career?
Choosing a career is one of the most important decisions a person can make in their life. It shapes not only our professional journey but also our sense of identity, fulfillment, and contribution to the world. For me, choosing to become an artist is not just a career choice; it is a deep calling, a form of expression, and a lifelong journey of discovery, creativity, and connection.

Art is a language beyond words. It allows me to communicate emotions, ideas, and stories that are difficult or even impossible to express through traditional means. Where logic and structure may fall short, art steps in to bridge the gap between the inner world and the external reality. I choose to be an artist because it gives me the freedom to express my authentic self. Every brushstroke, every photograph, every line drawn is a piece of my soul shared with the world. In a society that often values conformity and efficiency, being an artist allows me to remain true to who I am, to embrace my individuality, and to find meaning through creation.

Another reason I choose to be an artist is because of the way art connects people. Art transcends language, culture, and borders. It speaks to our shared humanity. When someone stands in front of a painting or listens to a piece of music and feels something stir inside them, that’s a powerful form of communication and connection. As an artist, I get to be part of that moment. I get to touch people’s lives in subtle, emotional, and profound ways. There is nothing more fulfilling than knowing that something I created helped someone feel seen, understood, or inspired.

Art also has the power to challenge, question, and inspire change. Throughout history, artists have been at the forefront of movements for social justice, peace, and progress. From Picasso’s Guernica to Ai Weiwei’s installations, art can be a form of resistance, a call for awareness, or a vision of a better world. As an artist, I am not only a creator but also a commentator and participant in the dialogue of our times. Choosing to be an artist means I am choosing to have a voice, and to use that voice to stand for something greater than myself.

Pursuing a career in the arts also offers a unique lifestyle—one that values curiosity, learning, and growth. Artists are lifelong students of the world. We observe details others overlook. We explore new techniques, experiment with ideas, and constantly evolve. While the path is often uncertain and full of challenges, it is also rich with discovery and surprise. No two days are ever exactly the same. There is freedom in that. There is adventure. I would rather face uncertainty doing what I love than settle into routine doing something that leaves me uninspired.

Of course, being an artist is not without its difficulties. The path is rarely easy. It requires resilience, discipline, and a willingness to embrace failure. There are moments of doubt, rejection, and financial struggle. But even in those moments, the reward of creating something meaningful outweighs the cost. I believe that true success is not measured by wealth or fame, but by the ability to live a life that feels aligned with one’s purpose. For me, that purpose is creating art.

Moreover, being an artist in today’s world is more relevant than ever. In an age of technology, speed, and digital overload, people are increasingly seeking authenticity, beauty, and moments of pause. Art provides that. Whether through a painting that invites contemplation, a piece of music that stirs emotion, or a photograph that captures fleeting beauty—artists offer the world a chance to slow down and reconnect with what truly matters. I want to be part of that offering.

Finally, I choose to be an artist because I believe in the transformative power of imagination. Everything we build, invent, or change begins with imagination. Artists nurture and celebrate this quality. We dare to dream, to ask “what if,” and to turn the invisible into something real. The world needs more dreamers, more creators, more people willing to imagine new possibilities. In choosing to be an artist, I am choosing to contribute to that vision of possibility.

In conclusion, I choose to be an artist because it allows me to be myself, to connect with others, to stand for something meaningful, to live a life of curiosity and growth, and to contribute beauty and truth to the world. It is not an easy path, but it is a deeply rewarding one. It is a path that feeds my soul and gives me a sense of purpose. To create is to live fully, and through art, I choose to live with intention, passion, and courage

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career as an artist has been anything but a straight line—it’s been a journey full of detours, discoveries, and defining moments. What sets me apart is my deep commitment to authenticity, storytelling, and emotional resonance. I don’t just create for the sake of aesthetics; I create to connect, to reflect, and to evoke something real in others. My work lives in the space between personal truth and shared experience, and I believe that’s where the most powerful art is born.

I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve stayed true to my vision, even when it wasn’t the easiest path. There have been moments when I felt lost, when the financial and emotional toll of pursuing a creative life felt overwhelming. There were times I questioned whether I was “good enough” or if I was making the right choices. But every challenge taught me something vital—resilience, self-trust, and the importance of showing up, even when it’s hard.

I got to where I am today through a mix of relentless curiosity, trial and error, and a refusal to give up on what I love. I took risks, I made sacrifices, and I kept creating—especially when no one was watching. Over time, people began to connect with my work, and that connection fueled me. Every message from someone who says my art made them feel something—that’s the real reward. That’s what keeps me going.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that success doesn’t come from trying to please everyone. It comes from making work that is honest, that reflects who you really are. I’ve also learned the power of patience, and how important it is to define success on your own terms. Not everything happens quickly—and that’s okay. The slow growth has allowed me to build something real, something sustainable.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that this isn’t just about art—it’s about connection, emotion, and meaning. Whether I’m creating a piece, sharing my story, or collaborating with others, I always bring heart, intention, and depth to the table. I believe in art that lingers in the soul, that starts conversations, that makes people feel more seen.

At the end of the day, my story is one of persistence, purpose, and passion. And I’m just getting started.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Los Angeles for a week, I’d show them a mix of iconic sights, local favorites, and hidden gems. We’d start with the classics—Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica Pier, and a bike ride through Venice Beach. I’d take them hiking in Topanga or Runyon Canyon for those sweeping views, then wind down with a sunset at El Matador Beach.

Food-wise, we’d eat our way through the city—from tacos at Grand Central Market to brunch at République, Korean BBQ in Koreatown, and sushi in Little Tokyo. For a special dinner, Bestia or Mastro’s in Malibu would be a must.

We’d explore neighborhoods like Silver Lake and the Arts District for coffee, galleries, and vintage shopping. At night, we’d hit rooftop bars like Perch or Harriet’s, catch a live show at The Echo, or check out quirky spots like Good Times at Davey Wayne’s.

LA’s energy is this perfect mix of laid-back and electric, and I’d want them to leave feeling inspired, recharged, and like they got to see a little bit of everything.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Yili from Halona art studio. You can reach her out at halonaartstudio.us@gmail.com

Website: https://www.kumo-vision.com/