Meet Wenxu Zhao | Visual Artist

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

Hi Wenxu, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I originate from China, and the nurturing environment of my hometown profoundly shaped the visual artist I am today. The care and affection I received from my family, friends, and teachers created a backdrop for a carefree and happy childhood, a pivotal influence on my artistic journey.

My imaginative spirit emerged early on, finding delight in reading storybooks and indulging in solitary doodling as a child. One cherished memory from my youth is of the handmade blackboard crafted by my grandfather. Measuring about 20 x 18 inches, it became the canvas for my early sketches and experiments with white chalk. This humble blackboard was the beginning of my artistic exploration, growing from a small board to encompass various canvases in my grandfather’s backyard, walls, and school grounds.

Recognizing my growing interest in art, my parents enrolled me in painting classes, initiating my formal art education. Between the ages of six and twelve, I delved into various artistic disciplines, including drawing, printmaking, acrylics, and Chinese painting.

Simultaneously, my love for storytelling deepened through stacks of storybooks, each one contributing to my creative inspiration. Notably, Children’s Literature, a monthly periodical, left a lasting impression on me with its enchanting stories and captivating design and illustrations. This publication served as a catalyst, propelling me into the world of art creation.

In essence, my roots in China, combined with unwavering support from my family and the rich tapestry of childhood experiences, laid the groundwork for the artist within. This blend of creativity, literature, and formal art education continues to echo in the distinct brushstrokes and narratives that define my artistic identity.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Color is the part I am excited about most during my art creation process。 I love bright and vibrant colors, and my favorite colors are blue, green, and purple. In general, I choose colors based on intuition, and color is the most important way for me to express and convey emotion.

Contemplations on life, artistic endeavors, and navigating through challenges have collectively shaped the professional I am today. There was a period when I found a deep interest in photography, during which I roamed every corner of my surroundings armed with an old-fashioned film camera, capturing the world within a thumbnail-sized frame. Within this small camera frame, I witnessed a world I had previously overlooked, discovering the beauty of life’s intricacies and reigniting the romantic genes within me. After this experience, I focused on and enjoyed capturing numerous emotional moments in my painting, such as a magnificent tree, the overground subway passing by slowly at dusk, and the room’s illumination.

What started as a technical pursuit evolved into a profound aesthetic awakening, cultivating in me a pair of discerning eyes attuned to the subtleties and nuances of the visual realm. This experience not only granted me a newfound appreciation for the art of capturing moments but also had a lasting impact on my subsequent artistic creations. The beauty and charm discovered through the lens became a wellspring of inspiration, infusing my work with a unique perspective and an unwavering commitment to portraying the delicate intricacies of life.

However, I also went through a period of intense anxiety and a desperate desire for immediate success. From childhood to adulthood, painting had been a great passion. Yet, as my hobby transformed into my profession, my mindset underwent a shift. The eagerness to excel and the desire to incorporate numerous elements into a single piece often left me feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin.

Interestingly, this internal struggle became a well of inspiration, as seen in one of the pieces from my series “The Strawberry Fish Girl’s Trip on a Summer Night.” The concept for this artwork emerged from the very dilemma I faced: “On the route to reaching the ‘tiger’ in her head, the strawberry fish girl is captivated by various things in the dreamy picture and becomes lost.” So, whenever I encounter challenges, be it in life or my career, I remind myself that exceptional inspiration is on the horizon.

In essence, my journey underscores the transformative power of challenges, turning moments of uncertainty into a well of creativity. I want the world to know that my art is not just a visual representation but a narrative woven from life’s intricacies, and every obstacle is a stepping stone to new and captivating inspirations.

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.
New York City is brimming with landmarks and exciting destinations, and my approach would begin by inquiring about my friend’s specific interests. I’d encourage them to consider their preferences. One highly recommended experience, in my opinion, is attending a Broadway theater performance, where we can immerse ourselves in the enchanting world of live theater.

Another unforgettable adventure is taking the Roosevelt Island Tramway from Roosevelt Island to Manhattan at sunset. This journey allows us to transition from the serene island to the vibrant streets of Manhattan, all while being surrounded by towering skyscrapers. It’s a captivating way to witness the city’s transformation as day turns into night.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The unwavering support and encouragement of my parents throughout my life have played a pivotal role in shaping my imaginative and innocent personality, which is distinctly reflected in the warm, childlike style of my art. Despite initial reservations about my chosen profession, they have continuously stood by my side, providing invaluable support and respecting my decisions.

Furthermore, I owe a great deal of gratitude to the professors who guided me during my graduate studies at SVA. Under their mentorship, I not only discovered the enchanting realms of illustration and visual arts but also gained a profound understanding of the essential skills and artistic mindset required for a dedicated illustrator and visual artist. A special acknowledgment goes to Guy Billout, who not only provided technical guidance but also offered significant emotional support and encouragement during periods of artistic anxiety.

Lastly, I am profoundly thankful for the recognition I have received from prestigious awards such as iJungle Awards, Communication Arts, World Illustration Awards, and Creative Quarterly. During moments when I urgently needed affirmation and encouragement, these accolades became pillars of confidence, solidifying my belief in both myself and the artistic journey I am undertaking.

Website: wenxuart.com

Instagram: wenxuart