10 Questions with Esther Tang

Zhiwen (Esther) Tang is an illustrator and designer based in New York City. Throughout these years, she has honed her skills in creating narrative and informative illustrations across various domains, including editorial work, design projects, and pattern creation. Her approach involves seamlessly blending traditional drawing techniques with modern computer-aided methods to craft her pieces. She particularly enjoys incorporating the textural nuances of watercolor and ink drawings into the digital medium.

Central to her work is the aim to provide an engaging visual experience that resonates with the audience. She is passionate about infusing her illustrations with the power to connect and communicate effectively. Notably, her work has been showcased in various exhibitions such as the Muse Award, the 64th Society of Illustrators Annual, the 63rd and 64th Communication Arts, the 101st ADC Annual, and the World Illustration Award.

esthertangarts.com | @esthertang0719

ARTIST STATEMENT

Since childhood, Zhiwen (Esther) Tang has enjoyed her daily experiences and emotions through drawing and painting. She has been drawing since she can remember, and her artworks are closely connected with her emotions. Sounds, smiles, touch, and the environment she is in influence her illustrations in many aspects, as she realized that drawing is a means for her to connect with the world.

Coming across from Shenzhen to New York City, city life has been a significant source of inspiration for Esther's artistic creations. The urban environment, with its architecture, transportation systems, cultural diversity, and social dynamics, has frequently impacted her creative thinking. She has utilized this influence to create various art pieces that reflect the vibrancy and complexity of city life. Residents also face significant challenges, including social pressures that can lead to mental health issues. People enjoy the benefits brought by modernization but, at the same time, living chaotically in the contradictions of urban society. These physical and mental experiences turn into modern elements, colorful flowing brushes, and the rich scene in her illustrations. Many of her artworks depict the cultural and social life she experienced and wanted to voice upon, and modern life continues to be the theme she got inspiration from.

In Esther's opinion, art is about individual spirit, ideas, and emotional value in addition to its aesthetic appeal. As an illustrator, she thinks that her value resides in expressing her opinions and presenting issues through her work, inspiring her audience, and igniting discussions. The significance of artistic creativity lies not only in its power to produce beautiful objects but also in its capacity to raise questions, stimulate thought, and solve problems. As an artist, Esther wishes to continue to inspire her audience and contribute to a greater dialogue about the importance of art in contemporary culture.

Seafood Life, Digital (Photoshop), 2022 © Zhiwen (Esther) Tang

INTERVIEW

Let's talk about yourself first. Why are you an artist, and how did you become one?

My journey as an artist began in my childhood when I discovered my deep passion for drawing. Drawing became my means of expressing my emotions and communicating with the world around me. At the age of 18, I decided to pursue a degree in art at the School of Visual Arts, marking the beginning of my illustration journey. Over the years, I honed my illustration style, gradually finding my unique artistic voice and vision. Throughout my creative journey, I've enjoyed experimenting with various media and exploring different subjects. Sometimes, I use colored pencils and ink to create textures before finishing my work in Photoshop. However, in recent times, I've been drawn to digital drawing for its limitless creative possibilities. As an illustrator, I am constantly in search of the meaning of life through learning, exploration, and self-reflection. It appears that being an illustrator will be a lifelong career that accompanies me on this quest.

How would you define yourself as an artist? And how did this definition evolve over the years?

My artwork is a reflection of my life experiences and interactions. In the past, my focus was on precision and employing advanced techniques in my pieces, but I've now shifted my emphasis towards the message I want to convey through my art. Sometimes, my work serves as a bridge between my inner thoughts and the external world, allowing me to communicate with others. On other occasions, I use my art for storytelling, not only depicting the world but also expressing my unique perspective on it. As an artist, I remain committed to continuous learning and exploration, embracing various art forms and methodologies while constantly seeking inspiration from the diverse facets of life.

Dinosaur Traveller 2, Digital (Photoshop), 2023 © Zhiwen (Esther) Tang

Dinosaur Traveller, Digital (Photoshop), 2022 © Zhiwen (Esther) Tang

Why did you choose illustration specifically over other mediums?

I deeply value the curiosity and creativity that Mother Nature has bestowed upon us. Growing up in an environment rich with plants and birds, I often found myself captivated by the spectacle of raindrops dancing on leaves and the enchanting chorus of frogs and cicadas. Over time, I realized my fondness for using illustrations to capture these scenes, infusing them with stories and my own ideas. Illustration, with its capacity for visual storytelling and boundless creative opportunities, relies on the artist's imagination. Through illustration, communication between the creator and the audience is direct, and the range of possibilities is truly fascinating. Whether it's an image within a book, an advertisement, educational material, or a piece of fine art that provokes meaningful reflections, I've discovered that illustration allows me to confidently express my ideas, whether they are grand or subtle, granting me the joy of creative freedom.

What messages are you trying to communicate with your art? And what do you think differentiates your approach from others?

For me, art serves as a vessel of hope and vitality. Throughout various projects, my unwavering objective has been to offer my audience a taste of happiness. I derive immense satisfaction from highlighting the brighter aspects of life and communicating positive messages to others. This mission has taken on even greater significance in the wake of the rollercoaster ride of the past three pandemic years, where we've been inundated with distressing news. This has only intensified my dedication to radiating positive vibes through my artwork. An example of this commitment is evident in one of my recent series, which explores themes of mental healing and reconciliation with life, drawing inspiration from the events of the past several years.

Bubble Bath, Digital (Photoshop), 2022 © Zhiwen (Esther) Tang

You derive your work from personal experiences. How do you incorporate them into your illustrations? And do you have any other source of inspiration?

My artwork is deeply rooted in my personal experiences, and I believe that illustration, at its core, is all about observation and immersing oneself in the lives and environments that surround us. The places I've visited and the new experiences I've had all become integral parts of my creative process. Take, for instance, my piece "Lunar Dinosaur Fantasy World," where the image of a young dinosaur exploring the woods was inspired by my hikes in Bear Mountain. I reimagined and brought to life a colorful array of creatures in various forms. Often, it's the seemingly ordinary and everyday moments that often go unnoticed that inspire me the most. These moments capture the essence of our lives, whether it's a routine and bustling commute, a family dinner gathering, or a breathtaking sunset scene. Books also serve as a significant wellspring of inspiration for me. When I read "A River Runs Through It" by Norman Maclean, I was deeply moved by the story and created a series of works that explore the profound bond between parents and children. The spiritual journeys that books offer are something I cannot experience in the physical world. In the realm of art, possibilities are limitless, allowing us to delve into a wide range of topics, from history and science to psychology, and incorporate them into our creative expressions.

How has your art evolved over the years? And what inspired you to experiment?

My creativity is primarily fueled by a profound passion for life and a relentless curiosity about myself. Initially, my journey in art began as a way to sketch and capture moments from life. I've always been drawn to the simplest and most fleeting things, whether it's a unique aroma or a brief melody. Each of these moments unfolds like a vivid slideshow in my mind, and I feel compelled to translate them into visual form. Moreover, the act of creating serves as a profound process of self-exploration. I relish delving deep into my own thoughts, emotions, and personal experiences through art, using it as a tool for gaining a deeper understanding of myself. For instance, in my art series titled "Backyard," I embarked on an introspective journey that delves into the complexities of life. I explored the emotional challenges that people encounter as they grow, focusing on themes of self-discovery, family dynamics, and the inevitability of death. In essence, I derive great satisfaction from exploring a diverse range of topics related to human existence. Throughout this creative process, I continually push myself to step out of my comfort zone and experiment with various subjects and artistic techniques. This profound love for humanity serves as an endless wellspring of motivation for my creativity.

On that note, you moved from Shenzhen to New York City. How has this experience influenced your work? Does living as an expat in the USA have given you a different perspective on life and your work?

My journey of moving to different cities has played a significant role in shaping my resilience. Regardless of the creative blocks and life challenges I face, I've learned never to give up and always strive to grow and develop myself. My homeland has instilled in me a strong moral character and provided me with a rich cultural heritage that often serves as a wellspring of inspiration for my art. New York, a global and diverse metropolis, has enriched my spiritual world. Since my college years, the friends and teachers I've encountered from various countries and cultural backgrounds have expanded my horizons and fostered an inclusive mindset toward different forms of art. This exposure has motivated me to step out of my comfort zone and experiment with a multitude of mediums, styles, and techniques that I might not have considered before.

You work with different techniques, including digital art. What do you think of the recent introduction of AI-generated content? Do you feel threatened as an artist by these new technologies?

In my perspective, artificial intelligence (AI) has brought about significant transformations in the creative industry. However, I've always maintained that human creativity remains the ultimate driving force. Rather than viewing AI as a threat, I see it as a powerful tool that enhances my creative process. AI-generated art allows me to swiftly explore various styles, compositions, and ideas, thereby increasing my efficiency as an artist. It also inspires me to venture into visual territories that are beyond the scope of AI, pushing the boundaries of my own artistic capabilities. I regard AI as a complementary tool that aids in my artistic evolution. Nevertheless, it's important to acknowledge that artists may encounter challenges related to plagiarism in their creations, leading to questions about the protection of intellectual property. In the long run, however, I believe that AI will bring more positive developments to the creative industry.

The Highest Place, Digital (Photoshop), 2022 © Zhiwen (Esther) Tang

Is there any project or series you have meant to produce but still haven't started yet?

I'm in the midst of planning a children's book that will take young readers on an incredible journey with a space-traveling dinosaur exploring Earth. This project has been a dream of mine for quite some time, and I've already begun sketching out numerous related artworks to bring this world to life. My goal is to craft a captivating universe where dinosaurs thrive in outer space, and I'm excited to harness my imagination and creativity to make it a reality. Additionally, I'm pushing my artistic boundaries by working on ambitious large-scale projects, such as "City Chaos." Looking ahead, I'm particularly thrilled about my upcoming endeavor – creating a vivid ocean scene, driven by my deep affection for marine animals.

And lastly, what are your plans for the future? Do you have any exhibition or collaboration you want to share with our readers?

In the future, my primary focus will continue to be on creating content for editorial and children's books. I have developed a strong interest in child psychology, particularly through my involvement in projects like "Child from Star," which centers around autistic children. Moving forward, I'm determined to seek opportunities for cross-disciplinary learning within the field of psychology, drawing inspiration from experts in this area to enhance my creative work.
Each exhibition opportunity has afforded me a unique chance to engage closely with my audience. For example, at last year's "Witches Feast 3" exhibition in Shenzhen, China, I conveyed my concepts related to paparazzi and hedonism through a zine and various accessories. In the upcoming month, I will be holding an exhibition in Portland, US, where I've crafted several new pieces on handmade postcards. Additionally, I am participating in a group exhibition at London Contemporary Art scheduled for December. My heartfelt hope is that my artwork, when exhibited, can stimulate thoughts and inspire the audience in meaningful ways.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.

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