We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ruoyi Shi. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ruoyi below.
Ruoyi, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
For me, being creative can be seen as a way of challenging the existing standards and rules but still being open to discussions and possibilities. There might be risks, but no danger. I often consider myself an inventor who doesn’t create things to be “useful.” It’s a process of reshaping the reality to fit my personal narratives.
Being creative is not a task I set to achieve specific goals but a world-building game I play with myself and others. I have full control of my stories and enjoy the power of writing my creation myths.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am an interdisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles. My works are fragments I collected to create an alternative reality. In this never-ending world-building game that mirrors past, present, and future, I invent figures, tools, myths, and memories. Using sculptures, writings, performances, and videos, I aim to experiment with the boundaries between nature and artificial existences, truth and truth-making.
Inspired by ancient tales and rituals related to language, habits, or means of rules, my intention is to discuss how information is carried, manipulated, interpreted, and transformed.The shift in meaning during the process of language translation reflects my experience as an alienated figure living in a foreign environment. I am curious about how people are encouraged to appropriate the information they encounter and how our vocabulary is chosen and formed in today’s society. I examine the true intention behind each movement while finding connections among regional practices across different cultures.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Being curious, open-minded, and willing to experiment are the three qualities that I treasure the most. From my perspective, these three qualities represent the embracement of new knowledge; they showcase that one is willing to admit they don’t know everything and have a passion for the unknown. As an artist, I must absorb new information and keep learning new skills and techniques to arm myself. There are experiences and stories I can never imagine, so I should never make assumptions based on my limited knowledge. Everyone is a unique entity. It is essential to be open to information and be willing to give space to others.
It always means more possibilities when things don’t have a clear answer. For everyone who is early in our journeys, it’s never too late to make changes and become a beginner again.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful message I received from my parents is that I should not measure my success by society’s conventional standards standard. I am immensely grateful that from a young age, my parents have consistently supported my individuality and encouraged me to explore my genuine interests. They told me to challenge their opinions when we disagreed and never be afraid to choose an unconventional path. They provided a safe space where I could be as imaginative and creative as possible. From them, I learned the importance of both listening to others and myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shiruoyi.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruoyishi/
