Meet Muchen Wang | Writer, Cartoonist & Artist

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

Hi Muchen, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Choosing a creative career wasn’t a decision I made, it was more of a necessity, like breathing. Though if I had to choose a different career, I’ve always been fascinated with dentistry. The tools, the disinfectant smell, and the potential for a good income were alluring to me. I excelled in math and science classes and even considered pursuing a medical career until I realized that painting, drawing, and telling stories were my true passions. That inner voice urging me towards art has been with me since I first picked up a brush or crayon at the age of 3 or 4. For me, sharing my love, passion, and joy through my art is the most fulfilling thing I could do. Creativity is also a way for me to express my overflowing emotions. I find power in the small moments of everyday life, like watching the sun move across shadows, observing water flow into rivers, and watching soup simmer on the stove. I want to believe that my work makes a difference in the world, even if it’s just one person’s day a little brighter.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As an artist, I strive to bring a childlike innocence and sincerity to my work, which sets it apart from others. It’s a quality that resonates with my audience and brings people’s hearts closer together with love. In today’s world, I believe that this is a much-needed perspective. Many people have described my work as “innocent” or “playful,” and I think this is because I try to approach each piece with an open heart and without filtering it through any bias or prejudice. By doing so, I hope to offer a unique viewpoint that can help people see things differently and be more understanding and compassionate towards each other.
Getting to where I am today professionally has not been easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding. I have faced challenges along the way, including self-doubt and the pressure to conform to certain expectations. However, I have learned to trust myself and stay true to my vision, even in the face of criticism or rejection. One of the most important lessons I have learned is that staying authentic to oneself is key to success and happiness.

Overall, I want the world to know that my art is a reflection of my inner self, my passions, and my desire to connect with people through love and sincerity. My hope is that my work can inspire others to embrace their own unique voice and to approach the world with an open and compassionate heart.

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?
If my best friend were visiting the area, I would want to show them the best of what the local culture has to offer. To start off the trip, I would take them to one of my favorite food markets, Tokyo Central. They have several locations with fresh produce, seasonal specialty fruits, and fresh fish. We could also pick up some street food to enjoy while we shop for ingredients to cook together later. This would be a great way to bond with my friend and create some unforgettable memories. In addition to exploring the local cuisine, I would take my friend to some of the most iconic and interesting sights in the area. We could visit the Getty Center to see some of the most stunning art and architecture in the city, then take a hike in Griffith Park to enjoy the stunning views of the city skyline. We could also visit the beach and watch the sunset, or take a day trip to explore the nearby mountains. Throughout the week, I would make sure to take my friend to some of the coolest bars and restaurants in the area. I would take them to some of my favorite places for cocktails and craft beer, and we could try out some of the best local cuisine, from sushi and Korean barbecue to tacos and vegan options.

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 truly believe that success is never achieved alone. I am grateful for the support and guidance of many individuals throughout my journey, including my family, friends, mentors, and supporters. One person who deserves special recognition is (Joy)Yue Zhuo. She has been a friend and colleague since the beginning of my creative career, and her work as a furniture designer has always inspired me. Whenever I hit a creative wall or need a fresh perspective, Yue is there to bounce ideas off of and provide encouragement. Her creativity and unique approach to design has helped me grow as an artist and push myself to new heights. I am truly grateful for her support and inspiration.

Website: www.UoooArt.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/uooart?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Image Credits
Guanyu Xu