Meet Qingjian Ma | Artist | Photographer

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

Hi Qingjian, what are you inspired by?
I was born in China and moved to the United States at the age of 15. Growing up, “inclusivity” was not a widely embraced concept in my environment, at least not in the way I understand it today. However, I was fortunate to be raised in a family that valued openness and acceptance—an outlook that was ahead of its time. This perspective allowed me to see and learn things beyond the conventional norms of my surroundings and helped me integrate seamlessly into the more inclusive society of the U.S.

I firmly believe that everything in this world is worth understanding before forming judgments. Instead of labeling things prematurely, I strive to explore the reasons and contexts behind them. Inclusivity has given me the opportunity to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, turning every encounter into a learning experience. It has broadened my perspective, deepened my self-awareness, and ultimately expanded the possibilities in my life.

At the same time, I see the willingness to explore as an essential part of personal growth. Stepping out of my comfort zone, embracing the unknown, and continuously pushing boundaries have not only shaped my creative journey but have also helped me discover new dimensions of myself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I use photography as my artistic medium—it’s a process of exploration and self-reflection. Sometimes, my work serves as an “objective” documentation of a moment in time, but more often, I use it as a tool to pose questions to society and my audience. My goal is not to provide answers but to inspire thought, allowing viewers the freedom to interpret and “respond” to my work in their own way. In turn, their responses also inspire me.

For me personally, this process feels relatively natural. When I create, I embrace a certain level of selfishness—I make art to satisfy myself first before considering the audience. No work can appeal to everyone, and I’ve come to accept that. There will always be people who resonate with a particular aesthetic or perspective. At the same time, I don’t shy away from “negative” feedback, because even criticism is part of the conversation that my work generates. Every reaction, whether positive or negative, is a valid response to the piece and is worth acknowledging and learning from.

Ultimately, I see my work as an ongoing dialogue—one that is constantly evolving, shaped by both my own vision and the perspectives of those who engage with it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take my friend to my hometown, Liuzhou, for an unforgettable trip. There’s something special about showing someone the place where you grew up—there’s a unique emotional connection that makes every corner of the city feel personal.

Liuzhou is a fascinating city full of contrasts. It’s a small city in southwestern China, yet it’s also a major industrial hub. In most cases, industrial cities aren’t known for their natural beauty, but Liuzhou is an exception. The entire city is built around a crystal-clear river, with mountains scattered throughout—each one essentially a park in itself.

For the itinerary, I’d start by taking my friend to the food stalls right outside my home to try some local street food. In the evening, we’d sit by the river with drinks, soaking in the relaxed atmosphere and having long, unhurried conversations. More than anything, what makes Liuzhou special is the laid-back and easygoing energy of the city. It’s not just about what you do there—it’s about how the city makes you feel: unpressured, comfortable, and free to just enjoy the moment.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The people I want to give the biggest shoutout to are my parents and family. They have always been my strongest supporters throughout my journey. Their unwavering encouragement has given me the confidence and foundation to pursue my passion.

Beyond my family, the person I want to shout out the most is my lifelong best friend, Zheng Ke—an incredible product designer and an exceptional listener. We met in high school, both having moved from China to the U.S. at the age of 15. It was a defining moment in our lives: for the first time, we experienced a sense of “freedom” like never before—away from family and the societal expectations we had grown up with. At the same time, we faced deep uncertainty, caught between two vastly different cultural ideologies.

But in those years—perhaps the most confusing yet liberating phase of our lives—we found strength in each other. We pushed, encouraged, and most importantly, inspired one another. His presence and our shared journey have shaped me in ways I will always be grateful for.

Website: https://maqingjian.com

Instagram: qingjian_m

Image Credits
Cr. Qingjian Ma