Jenny Tan, SWAYE Artist, created a piece called “Work, Die, and Caffeinate” for the SWAYE February Issue. Matthew Chen (Founder, Editor-In-Chief) interviewed Jenny to learn about her artistic process, inspirations, and goals.
Q. What kind of art do you do?
Jenny: I mainly collage old magazine papers and school papers together. I also work with acrylics and watercolors to paint landscapes.
“My art tells stories about my life experiences and what it means to be human.”
Q. How and when did you become interested in it?
Jenny: I actually started off my intI started painting when I got hospitalized at the age of fourteen. I had a lot of free time and decided to pick up painting. I used to think art was only meant to be done by people with immense natural talent. I never realized how fun art could be up until then. After being released from the hospital, the first thing I did was purchase paintbrushes, a pack of watercolor paper, and a watercolor palette from Michaels.
Q. How do your family and friends play apart in you pursuing your art?
Jenny: My dad likes to hang my paintings around the house. Although he doesn’t verbally praise my art, he will show me that he admires them by showing them to his friends.
“My family’s indirect yet affectionate praise keeps me going.”
Q. Why did you join SWAYE Media?
Jenny: I joined SWAYE because I wanted to connect with my community of Asian American artists in the Bay Area. I find it beautiful that I can share my art and find inspiration from their works.
Q. What memorable responses have you had to your work?
Jenny: The most memorable response I had to my art is from my biggest supporter and friend, Angelica. She is so imaginative and artistically gifted. Angelica is also a SWAYE artist, so when she compliments my art, I cherish those moments.
Q. What is your process like for writing a piece?
Jenny: First, I like to draft an outline or sketch of what I want to create. From there, I go with the flow. Usually, there are a lot of paper scraps and glue everywhere. My room turns into a paper-shredding dumpster. Although my outside environment is very messy, I know what I want and what I’m doing most of the time in my head.
Q: How is writing special to you?
Jenny: A lot of my art is dedicated to the people in my life even if they don’t know it. My relationships with my friends, families, teachers, girlfriends, boyfriends, or even the cat in my backyard,
“I draw inspiration from my interactions and interpersonal connections with them. my safe space. It’s like my distraction from the rest of the world. “
Q. Describe a real-life situation that inspired you?
Jenny: One real-life situation that inspired me was decorating my desk space and wall in my room. I fill up the entire wall with my collages, posters, and pictures to remind myself to continue creating. I constantly paint and collage new pieces and take down old ones to keep the space lively. In other words, I live and sleep in my art.
Q. Who or what are your greatest inspirations?
Jenny: My greatest inspiration is Ada Chen, an Asian American jewelry designer from New York. On her Instagram, @potadachen, she creates the most stunning jewelry pieces that tell stories about growing up as an Asian American woman. Not only can she weld and make jewelry, but she can also paint as well. Ada is an overall wonderful talent that I am so happy to have discovered.
Q. What is your ultimate goal as an artist?
Jenny: My ultimate goal as an artist is to enjoy what I do and inspire others to pick up a paintbrush or pen along the way.
“Art is for everyone, people from all walks of life.”
If I can do it, you can too!
Check out Jenny’s project from last month: “Work, Die and Caffeinate” here!