Bold Journey Magazine Interview

Below Excerpt

https://boldjourney.com/meet-zelene-jiang-schlosberg/

We were lucky to catch up with Zelene Jiang Schlosberg recently and have shared our conversation below.

Zelene Jiang, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

It seems to me there are two ways to “be creative.” One is simply to get lost in thoughts. This is a self-starting process and requires no stimuli. Just let your imagination take hold of you, and let the journey play out. And I focus my creativity by using hands, hammers, scissors, by working on canvases: this process can never be replaced by AI or machine learning.

The other way, I think, is to immerse yourself in artistic, aesthetic or sensory stimuli. I love going to museums, galleries, concerts (especially contemporary “art music”), but as well, seeing amazing architecture (which Chicago has a ton of), not to mention the inspiration one can get even from a sophisticated or spicy meal. These experiences can act as “prompts” for new directions I would like to take my art. Of course one shouldn’t need to constantly be creative, just like a comedian does not need to be overtly funny one hundred percent of the time. It wouldn’t be healthy. Anyway, down time is important!

Lastly, I should say that I derive enormous creative energy from my younger cat, Lily. She is my muse!

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My art has evolved over time, but right now it centers around canvas cutouts. I love playing with grids and architecture, as is evident by many triptychs and other multi-panel arrays. I hope to create a unique and relevant contemporary iconography that looks to old master painting but comments on life in the early to mid 21st century. Most importantly, layering canvas with cutout panels to allow the work to dance with shadow and lights: these qualities have been my hallmark that attracts my unique audiences and collectors. While I have many compositions in white, I am currently using a vibrant color palette and increasing my study of color theory by reading many books on the subject. I want the spectator to be stopped in their tracks when they see my work, ponder its meaning, and, just as importantly, enjoy engaging with my work.

I think collaboration is also part of my artistic identity. I have worked with other artists to co-curate exhibitions, and I have collaborated with musicians as well. My art has been featured on the covers of several albums, include my work, “Contemplation” which was featured on Third Coast Percussion’s GRAMMY-nominated “Between Breaths.”

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three qualities I would single out are patience, curiosity and empathy. I think they are all equally important!

Everyone has their own particular journey, developing tools for empathy along the way. I grew up in Hunan, China, living among many relatives, so things were always busy. I certainly *had* to get along with a lot of people to survive, while also learning ways to carve out my own mental space. I think empathy also derives from awareness – of what’s going on in your neighborhood, city, country and the world. That extends, of course, to the climate crisis, which is unfortunately less in the news right now than it should be. Empathy for the planet is essential!

Basically, I think (or hope) that people are fundamentally kind. I try to pay back the kindnesses that have been afforded during my personal and artistic development.

Regarding patience, as a self-taught artist (I have degrees in other subjects), this is particularly important. The short answer is that you have to believe in the art you are creating. As long as you have that, nothing else matters really. I also look to history for the inspiring, often iconic artists that have graced this earth: the first, pre-historic artists (obviously) all the way up to Robert Ryman.

This is not to say that being overly confident is a good thing either. I think it’s natural to doubt, whether you’re scrutinizing a detail of a work or even questioning the general direction your art is going in. But in times when I want my mind to move forward, I think of the wonderful community, past and present, that has been on this similar journey.

Also, recognition and appreciation by people in the art world helps. I am very grateful to Fabrik Projects (Los Angeles), for presenting me at Art Miami + CONTEXT and the LA Art Show, and to various university museums that have given me solo exhibitions.

I’m not sure what I would specifically recommend to improve these qualities (and I am no expert), but I would say to people: don’t be afraid of your instincts. I think also seeking out art in all different forms is critical. That’s why curiosity matters!

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

Generally, I am always needing more energy and time – who doesn’t? How to focus on the core creativity part, not something else, like packing and shipping art? Finding the most efficient way of sending out these very precious (to me) pieces always presents some road-blocks, but it helps to plan ahead. Overall, I try to live a balanced life, with exercise, reading, eating well, and the arts all in the mix.