Meet Steffie Chau | Multidisciplinary Artist & Art Director

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

Hi Steffie, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
When I was little, I visited the Louvre for the first time. I ran towards a painting as if I could jump into the world of the figures depicted on the canvas. Security had to stop me, and my parents had a laugh with the guard. Looking back, I guess it was evident that from that day forward I had a deep love for art and it makes sense why I decided to pursue a career in the arts.

I was born and raised in Hong Kong, and my journey to becoming an artist has been deeply influenced by my cultural heritage and the various places I’ve lived, including Paris and New York. Growing up in a city as vibrant and diverse as Hong Kong instilled in me a strong sense of identity which I now translate into my art. I often explore themes of home, identity, and belonging because they resonate so deeply with my personal narrative and the connections I share with the people around me.

My cultural background gives me a unique perspective in the art world. Hong Kong’s blend of Eastern and Western influences, coupled with my experiences in Paris and New York, has shaped the way I view and create art. These diverse experiences allow me to approach my work with a multifaceted perspective, exploring how different cultures intersect and how identity is formed through the lens of place. This exploration of home and belonging is not just a theme in my art—it’s a reflection of my own life, a constant dialogue between where I come from and where I am now.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being an artist wasn’t about building a business in the traditional sense. Art has always been my way of making sense of the world, and turning that into a career felt like a natural progression. I didn’t set out with a grand plan, but with a desire to create work that sparks conversations, and that connects with people on a deeper level. It is more about following a passion and seeing where it leads, always valuing creativity and connection. My journey into the art world has been about pursuing my passion for creating and curating.

I previously worked for two different artists, learning the ins and outs of how to run an artists’ studio, from communicating with galleries to connecting with clients. This experience ignited my interest in gallery sales, where I found joy in talking about art and seeing it come to life in beautiful spaces! While this is my full-time job, I also contribute as an art director for ModA Curations, working with the team to conceptualise and execute the bi-annual exhibitions that we host (one in LA and the other in NY). My favorite thing about this job is visiting artists’ homes and studios to see the heart of where all the art stems from. I get to collaborate with artists to develop themes and learn more about their practice, all while focusing on the integration of contemporary art with anthropological narratives. These roles have contributed to my vision of wanting to create and be an artist myself, and now I’ve gradually balanced the many different passions I have to form a well rounded knowledge of the arts.

When I think about work-life balance, I don’t see work as something separate from life—it’s all intertwined. My passion for what I do allows me to take on multiple roles, whether it’s working at a gallery, being part of a sociocultural anthropology collective, or assisting an artist. And of course, there’s my own art practice. For me, it never really feels like work because it’s all rooted in my passion. This is what I love, and it feels natural to flow between every facet of my life. That’s the balance I strive for, and it’s one that keeps me motivated and driven. It is a constant work in progress, evolving with the changing seasons and the demands of my different roles. During quieter times, like summer, I focus on personal projects and creative explorations, but there are also busier seasons where my focus needs to be fully on the responsibilities at hand, giving my undivided attention to the tasks that require it. That said, I’ve learned that balance isn’t about evenly splitting my time but about finding the right rhythm for the moment. It’s important to be kind to myself when things get out of sync, knowing that balance is fluid and always shifting.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in maintaining balance is preventing burnout, especially during the busiest seasons in the art world. There were times when I found myself stretched too thin, trying to meet deadlines while also nurturing my creative practice. To overcome this, I’ve developed specific strategies to manage my workload and maintain my well-being. For instance, I’ve learned to set boundaries, both with myself and others, to ensure that I’m not overcommitting. I also prioritize self-care, making time for activities that replenish my energy, whether it’s a walk in nature, a quiet evening watching a good film, or simply spending time with loved ones.

I remind myself that while there are moments of chaos, the satisfaction I derive from my work far outweighs the challenges. I’ve come to see that I am both my own problem and solution; it’s up to me to navigate the complexities of my life.

Learning to live by the principle of gratitude, I try to remind myself to be grateful for the journey, for the challenges that have shaped me, and for the opportunities that have come my way. Gratitude keeps me grounded, but it also pushes me to give back, to create art that speaks to others, to try and make them feel seen and understood. This principle has become a guiding force in my life, influencing not only the way I approach my work but also how I interact with those around me.

Gratitude is deeply embedded in the themes and subjects of my work. I often reflect on the moments and connections that have shaped my life, and I strive to express that in my art. One project where this value was particularly evident is my exhibition, ‘l’appartement 49c.’ This project was born out of a conversation with a friend about the highs and lows of waiting for my visa—a challenging period that tested my patience and resilience. But instead of focusing on the difficulties, I chose to center the exhibition around the gratitude I felt for the experience itself. The art became a celebration of the journey, of the people who supported me, and of the personal growth that emerged from that period of uncertainty.

I also try to instill this principle of gratitude in those I work with and mentor. I believe that when we approach our work with a sense of thankfulness, it not only enhances our own creativity but also strengthens our relationships with others. I encourage those around me to acknowledge the small victories and to appreciate the process, even when it’s challenging. This mindset creates a positive, collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

Living a happy and fulfilled life while being reasonable is paramount to me. I believe in setting clear goals and designing plans to achieve them, but I also understand the importance of being adaptable and open to new experiences. Life has a way of surprising us, and sometimes the most meaningful opportunities come from the unexpected. Gratitude and honesty are the foundations of my interactions, and I strive to keep learning and growing every day. By embracing these values, I’m able to maintain a sense of purpose and fulfillment, both in my art and in my life.

Ultimately, gratitude shapes not only who I am but also the work I create and the legacy I hope to leave behind. It’s a principle that keeps me grounded, motivates me to give back, and reminds me to stay open to all the beauty and possibilities life has to offer.

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 came to visit for a week, we would probably spend out time doing the things we naturally love to do when we’re together–checking out museums, listening to live music at a jazz bar, rummaging through record crates in flea markets, sitting in a park and talking for hours.

I don’t really have a go-to spot for everything, but for museums, I’d say MoMA PS1 and The Met. For jazz, Blue Note and Birdland Theatre are always a vibe.

We’d definitely hit up Village Revival Records, Stranded Records, and Brooklyn Record Exchange to dig through some vinyl. Central Park during the weekdays when it’s less crowded is perfect for just chilling and catching up. I love a good wine bar—With Others in Williamsburg is amazing, and Casetta in LES is also a favorite.

We both like to groove and dance, so we’d probably end up at under the K Bridge if something is happening there. I usually just see what my friends are up to and go from there. Most of the time we spend it at home cooking dinner and playing board games…

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Collaboration and community have been essential in my journey. My friend and fellow artist, Danny Greenberg, has been a constant source of inspiration and encouragement. The ModA Curations team—George Fan, Esther Fan, and Sia Fang—has provided me with opportunities to grow and learn in ways I never imagined. My best friend Sarah (who answers my call at any time of the day even though she’s half way across the world). And, of course, my art friends—Tessa, Olivia, Anna, and Devin—who I consider my PEOPLE, have been there every step of the way (building shelves, Home Depot runs, installing paintings…you name it, they’ve done it!), they push me to explore new ideas and challenge me to be my best self.

Website: https://steffiechau.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steffiestudio/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steffiechau/

Image Credits
Maira B Walker, Teresa Olds, Steffie Chau