Meet Hankunyu wei | Contemporary Artist and Jewelry Designer

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

Hi Hankunyu, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
When I first entered the field of art, I had many expectations and plans on how to separate my work and personal life. I always believed that work and life should be kept separate, giving my full dedication to work and enjoying life separately. However, I soon realized that these two aspects were inherently connected. I couldn’t avoid personal matters interrupting my work, and I constantly found myself worrying about work-related issues in my personal life. Over time, I developed the habit of integrating my work and life together.

I believe that art stems from life, and life enriches my artistic creations. I now thoroughly enjoy the surprises and artistic inspiration that art brings to my daily life. By incorporating art into my life, I have found my life to be more fulfilling.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am curious about everything around me and eager to try new things. In my studio, you’ll find an assortment of peculiar materials, and I enjoy studying them. Once I delve into a material, I become completely absorbed and lose track of time. I tend to neglect social interactions and isolate myself in the studio or at home, immersing myself in the exploration of these materials. My friends often find me strange, and they are curious about why I’m always engaged in such peculiar activities.

I have an impatient fascination with the malleability of materials. I can quickly grasp the plasticity of a particular material and eagerly strive to complete a piece of artwork. However, the quality and completeness of my work are always uncertain. Soon after finishing a piece, I quickly grow tired of it and consider it unsuccessful. Then, I start over again. This repetitive cycle of self-doubt arises, making me question my abilities and talents. Multiple failures have led me to reconsider my creative process and whether it is the right approach.

I began to reach out to my friends, discussing my ideas with them, and they always provide valuable advice. We collaborate on creative projects and share our experiences. This made me realize that artistic creation is not just about individual self-indulgence; teamwork and collaboration are crucial. Sharing experiences and transferring knowledge are essential elements in artistic creation.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a week-long vacation, I would choose to take my friends to the Great Smoky Mountains. Being close to nature is an excellent choice for a short getaway. We would escape the city and find a place where we could breathe fresh air, feel the wind, the trees, and listen to the birds. There, we wouldn’t have to worry about planning routes or itineraries. We could simply wander through the forest, having conversations along the way.

We could discuss a variety of topics, share our worries, and exchange funny anecdotes. With few people around, we would feel free to be ourselves without worrying about others’ judgments. Perhaps on our way up the mountain, we would encounter a clumsy bear or cows happily munching on grass by the roadside. We would laugh heartily, filled with curiosity and joy about nature and life.

When we got tired, we could retreat to a cozy cabin, have a drink, and watch movies. We could go together to the supermarket, buy ingredients, and return to the cabin to prepare a simple dinner. Sitting on the balcony under the stars, we would praise each other’s cooking skills and engage in discussions about our dreams and future aspirations. Leaving behind the busyness of the city, the traffic congestion, and work-related stress, we would fully enjoy the lovable and innocent side of ourselves in the embrace of nature.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The reason I entered the field of art is because of my mother. She runs an art gallery, which made art an integral part of my upbringing. My mother has always been supportive and understanding, which has allowed me to pursue the path of art with determination and confidence. We always have many shared topics, and whenever I encounter difficulties, she is the first person I turn to for solace.

My mother believes in encouraging education, which is different from the parents of most of my friends. Their parents primarily focus on their children’s academic achievements and often demand strict obedience using harsh words. My friends seem to never understand how to satisfy their parents. However, in my mother’s eyes, it feels like she supports everything I do. She always believes that my future will surpass her own success. I am truly grateful to have such a mother, as she fills me with hope for the future.

Website: https://www.verawei.work/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hankunyu-wei-86186b1a2/