Zhongwen Hu on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Zhongwen Hu and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Zhongwen, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, I’ve found a lot of joy in my pet turtle. I’ve been raising him for over a year now. Unlike cats or dogs, which are very interactive, turtles have a completely different vibe. He’s super chill and independent. My favorite part is simply watching him sunbathe every day, it always makes me feel peaceful. Even though he’s not the kind of pet that tries to please you, I still find so much joy in our quiet companionship. He’s also incredibly gentle, when he eats, he even tries to avoid biting my fingers. It feels like a very subtle kind of friendship, and I really treasure that.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Zhongwen Hu, and I’m an artist specializing in painting, illustration, and design. I also dabble in animation. Lately, my work has been centered around the theme of walking meditation. I’m fascinated by the idea of slowing down, being fully present, and just experiencing the world without getting caught up in thoughts or judgments. For me, it’s a profound way to reconnect with myself and has even become a form of self-healing through my art.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I think it’s my perfectionism. Sometimes when I paint, I get too tense because I want everything to be “just right.” But painting, for me, isn’t really about polishing details, it’s about expressing feelings. The tricky part is knowing when to stop, when a work is truly finished. That’s something I’m still learning: to let go, trust the process, and allow the painting to breathe on its own.

Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
I often record little videos of everyday life, with friends, with my parents, just very ordinary, happy moments. I’ve never told them why, but it’s because I know one day they won’t be here, and I’ll want to remember. If they knew the real reason, they’d probably think it’s unlucky or a bit sad, so I keep it to myself. Sometimes I already feel a sense of longing for those moments, even before they’re gone, like a quiet nostalgia no one else really knows about.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I believe in oneness, the idea that everything outside of me is a reflection of my inner world, and that every person I meet is somehow also me, whether from a past or future life. I also feel that everything I encounter is meant to happen; there’s no such thing as a random event. It’s all part of what I’m here to experience. Of course, I can’t prove this, but it’s a truth I feel very deeply.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I have a deep sense of metacognition, the ability to observe myself from a third-person perspective. When I’m in a conversation or tricky situation, I have a separate awareness of ‘me’ interacting with the world, almost like watching a mini version of myself. I feel like not many people are aware they can do this. It helps me separate my emotions from what’s actually happening, so I don’t get stuck or thrown off by other people’s reactions. It’s a way to stay grounded and objective, no matter what’s happening.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cargocollective.com/zhongwenhu
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zhongwenhu/