We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Xinyu Zhang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Xinyu below.
Xinyu, 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.
For me, keeping my creativity alive involves continuously feeding my brain with a variety of knowledge. It’s not necessarily about learning specific new skills; everything can be a source of inspiration, including movies, animations, books, and even the flowers and plants I see on the streets. These diverse inputs provide fresh knowledge.
To organize my thoughts, I make it a point to jot down or sketch out the various ideas that come to me. This practice helps me capture these fleeting thoughts before they evaporate. By engaging both my mind and hands in these two steps—absorbing information and then translating the chaos of thoughts into concrete forms—I keep my creativity flowing and vibrant.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My name is Xinyu Zhang, all my friends call me DayDay. I’m a sculptor now live and work in New York.
I graduated from HIFA with a Bachelor’s degree in sculpture. Eager to expand my horizons, I pursued further studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), where I worked towards a Master’s in Design. Following my graduation, I had the privilege of being selected as an invited artist for the TEDxChicago opening event, a milestone that marked the beginning of a new chapter in my artistic career.
My works express a profound longing for connection, a relentless determination to persevere, and a resolute effort to transcend fragility, embodying a physical struggle along life’s journey. Through the use of materials like wood, metal, and foam, I navigate my creative process from a place of intuition and chaotic sensations, gradually shaping forms that become meditations on self-awareness. My artistic journey is cyclical, involving exploration, definition, challenges, presentation, and then more exploration, allowing me to give tangible form to my inner experiences.
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?
In my personal journey as an artist and sculptor, perseverance, humility, and curiosity have indeed been three key qualities. First, perseverance has allowed me to continue striving in the face of challenges and setbacks. The path of artistic creation is often filled with uncertainty and experimentation, and relentless effort is crucial for mastering art. Second, humility makes me eager to learn from peers and mentors, constantly absorbing new inspirations and techniques. Lastly, curiosity fuels my ongoing exploration and passion for art, not only within my specialty but also across different art forms and cultures, enriching my work and skills.
For artists early in their careers, I recommend setting clear goals and steadfastly working towards them. This is a process of continuous repetition and practice, and I believe it is also a great opportunity to understand oneself. In practice, this means continually seeking knowledge and experimenting with new creative methods. Finally, don’t forget to enjoy the process and let your passion guide your progress. By following these approaches, you can continuously improve and evolve into a successful artist.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
I go out for walks, taking my film camera with me. I really enjoy walking, and I can walk for hours. Having a camera makes me pay attention to interesting things in everyday life, and that’s when inspiration often strikes. If it rains, I stay home and watch movies or play games. In my view, instead of constantly feeling overwhelmed, it’s better to give yourself some time to fully relax, let go of negative thoughts, and do things you enjoy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://iamdayday.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hmmdayday?igsh=MTc0NWVyMm95enhzdw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
