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

Hi Chuhan, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
As an artist, I am constantly drawn to the act of creation. From the earliest moments of my childhood, I found myself doodling and drawing, constantly seeking out new ways to express myself visually. Even in the most mundane of circumstances, whether it was during class or while taking exams, I would find myself lost in the act of drawing, lost in the world of my own imagination.

As I grew older, my love for art only intensified. I found myself increasingly drawn to the power of visual storytelling, the ability of an image to communicate complex emotions and ideas with ease. My mom would buy me comic books weekly, and I would spend hours pouring over the illustrations, admiring the skill and imagination of the artists who created them.

For me, art is not simply a hobby or a pastime – it is a way of life. I am driven by a deep desire to create, to push the boundaries of what is possible and to explore new and exciting ideas.

As an artist, my journey has taken me across borders and continents, from my early days doodling in China to my time studying illustration in the United States. I have always been drawn to the power of visual expression, and I believe that art has the ability to transcend cultural boundaries and connect people from all walks of life.

After completing my B.F.A. degree in China, I made the bold decision to pursue my creative career in the United States. It was a challenging and transformative experience, as I navigated a new culture, language, and educational system. But I was determined to follow my passion. Therefore, I enrolled in the Master of Fine Arts in Illustration program at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where I had the opportunity to learn from some of the most talented artists and educators in the field. It was a rigorous and demanding program, but it allowed me to hone my craft and explore new approaches to visual storytelling.

Throughout my time at SCAD, I was inspired by the diverse community of artists and designers from all over the world. I was able to collaborate with my peers, sharing ideas and techniques, and learning from their unique perspectives and experiences. After learning different techniques, I have made progress in my original creative foundation. Whether I am working in traditional media like pencil and paper or experimenting with digital tools, I am constantly seeking out new ways to express and bring the ideas to life.

In my creative career, I am driven by a desire to tell stories, to connect with audiences on a deep and emotional level. Whether through a single image or a complex narrative visual sequences, I strive to create work that engages, challenges, and inspires viewers. As an illustrator, I believe that my original intention for creating art is quite simple, which is to convey information through visual means. If my illustrations or other visual art can evoke a response from the audience, then my goal as a creator has been achieved. Recently, I’ve been working on themes that almost all revolve around the concept of “repetition day after day,” or relate to “darkness” and “loneliness.” I think this is a kind of post-pandemic aftermath. All in all, I am passionate about exploring themes of identity, memory, and the human experience, and I believe that art has the power to transform, to connect us to one another.

Ultimately, I pursue my creative career because I believe that art is an essential part of what makes us human. It allows us to express ourselves, to communicate complex ideas, and to connect with one another in ways that transcend language and culture. As an artist, I am honored to be part of this rich and vibrant tradition, and I am committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of art and creativity.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
To me, a creative career is like a spiritual practice. It involves daily exercises, academic advancement, business activities, and networking. These components are all crucial in honing one’s skills and achieving their goals, although they are not easy for many people.

As an introverted individual, networking and showcasing my work to others can be daunting. However, I have learned to overcome my fears and step out of my comfort zone. By mustering the courage to showcase myself, I have received appreciation and help from others.

Additionally, I tend to spend more time in my inner world. However, I have found that it is essential to find a balance. I engage in inner dialogue while also visualizing those dialogues and scenarios through my artistic skills. Hence, I hope to engage in art therapy projects to help individuals reduce their sense of shame and promote self-discovery in the future, .

Therefore, maintaining a creative output is essential to achieving my long-term goals. However, engaging in activities that promote art therapy and well-being is equally important. By finding a balance between the two, I can continue to develop my skills and find fulfillment in my creative careers.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I mainly live in Savannah! Yeah!!

I really like going to Foxy Loxy, their tacos are amazing! And I love their terrace, I often go there with friends to read and write papers there!

In addition, I really like the corn at BULL ST. TACO, which is not far from Foxy Loxy!

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?
Then I really have to thank the professors and friends I met at SCAD! They are truly a group of idealistic artists!

In addition, I have been influenced by many peers in the creative industry, such as Michael Seyer and his friends. I love his music, as well as the packaging of his albums and the production of his music videos.

Website: https://boat88.myportfolio.com/home

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boat.boat_c/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cch55555/

Image Credits
photo by Hsing-Chia Hsieh. Jill

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