We’re looking forward to introducing you to Chloe Chen. Check out our conversation below.
Chloe, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I’m currently an artist and art educator based in the Bay Area, California. On a typical workday, about 80% of my time is dedicated to teaching art and developing curriculum projects, while the other 20% I reserve for personal work. My husband and I have two cats, so most mornings begin with them jumping on the bed to wake us up. We both find joy in cleaning and organizing, so we usually do a bit of tidying before heading to work.
My days are spent at an art school, where mornings often include staff meetings. In the afternoons, I focus on writing and testing curriculum and projects, followed by teaching classes. I especially enjoy creating engaging lessons that spark students’ curiosity and bringing fun into the classroom.
After work, my husband and I love exploring new spots and restaurants together—we’re both foodies and big boba lovers! On my days off, I dedicate more time to my own art practice, particularly creating ink drawings and ceramic pieces, while also enjoying quality time with my husband.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Chloe Chen, an artist and art educator based in the San Francisco Bay Area. I hold an M.F.A. in Painting and Drawing from Pratt Institute in New York, and my artistic practice includes large-scale ink drawings, ceramics, and printmaking. Much of my work explores the constraints of public opinion and cultural conventions, especially around women’s sexuality, drawing from my own cultural background and experiences. My art has been exhibited and collected internationally in the U.S., South Korea, and China.
Beyond my personal practice, I’ve been deeply involved in arts education and arts organizations. I’ve worked with non-profits like ChaShaMa and the Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts in New York, and I currently serve as a senior art educator at CalColor Academy, where I teach painting, drawing, and mixed media, as well as design curriculum. With over five years of teaching experience, I’m passionate about creating engaging art education that empowers students to think creatively and express themselves authentically.
What makes my journey special is that it bridges both personal artistic exploration and community impact through education. Whether I’m creating ink drawings in my studio or developing a lesson plan for my students, my goal is always to spark curiosity, encourage dialogue, and build connections through art.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
I don’t think it was a single person who taught me the most about work. Of course, along the way I’ve been fortunate to have many wonderful mentors, professors, former bosses, and friends whose guidance and support helped me navigate both joyful moments and challenges. But in my artistic journey, what has influenced me the most is not just advice from individuals, but the environments I’ve lived in.
When I was in New York, I spent countless hours moving between galleries and museums. Each time I stood in front of great artworks, it felt like having a dialogue with the masters—a spark of inspiration rather than just a solution. I would study every brushstroke, every texture, and try to feel the emotions within. I also loved wandering the streets of New York alone, taking in the city’s unique mix of chaos and order. I took countless photos, both portraits and urban scenes, which became a rich source of inspiration.
After moving to California, the environment here offered me something very different. I’ve loved the ocean since I was young, and though the Bay Area coastline is often far from where I live, I find myself drawn to water. I often go swimming, because being immersed in water—hearing nothing else, feeling the current against my skin—gives me a sense of calm and renewal. These experiences and environments, whether in New York or California, have become unique sources of inspiration and continue to shape my work as an artist.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes—during the pandemic, there was a time when I almost gave up. While living in New York, I was torn between returning to my hometown of Shanghai or staying in the U.S. On one hand, I loved the city’s strong artistic atmosphere. On the other, challenges with my visa, news of anti-Asian hate, and even my own personal experience on the subway made me feel unsafe and uncertain about my future. At the time, I was working at a non-profit arts organization in Manhattan, commuting back to my apartment in New Jersey each night. I still remember the cold winter air, the foggy streets, and the loneliness of those long rides home. My family was oceans away, and I felt like just a small, drifting figure in a vast city.
I even bought a ticket back to China, ready to leave the U.S. behind. But deep down, I felt an urge not to compromise—a desire to prove to myself that I could build a life here on my own. Back home in Shanghai, I knew I would always be loved and protected by my family, but also misunderstood. To them, “art” seemed unstable and impractical, not a real career. Since childhood, I had been the “good kid,” making choices to please others rather than myself.
One night, after work, I sat in an almost empty subway car listening to music. I silently asked God for a sign—should I leave or should I stay? I decided that the next random song would be my answer. The song that came on was called Stay. As soon as I heard the opening, tears filled my eyes, and I knew my choice. I stayed.
Looking back, I’m deeply grateful I listened to that inner voice. Staying led me to where I am now—building both my career and a happy life in California with my husband. In my hardest moment, what kept me from giving up was honoring my true self.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
One project I am deeply committed to—no matter how long it takes—is my ongoing series of large-scale ink drawings. These works often take months to complete because I build them up through thousands of repeated dots. Each dot is like a single stitch, a patient act of mark-making that slowly forms light, shadow, and the texture of skin. The process requires an incredible amount of time and focus, but it also gives me a meditative space for self-reflection.
For me, these dots are not only a technique but also a language. They echo women’s labor, like sewing or weaving, where small, repetitive actions accumulate into something larger and more powerful. At times, I feel like Camus’ Sisyphus—pushing the stone endlessly—but in that repetition I find meaning, persistence, and resilience. My commitment to this practice lies in that very slowness: allowing the work to unfold patiently, to carry the weight of history, and to embody both personal memory and collective experience.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Growing up, I developed what could be called a “people-pleasing” personality, which I think came from my upbringing and family environment. I cared a lot about how others saw me, so I always pushed myself to do my very best. But if I didn’t receive positive feedback, I often felt that my efforts weren’t good enough. As I got older, this tendency followed me into my studies and work, sometimes leading to unnecessary self-criticism and exhaustion.
Over time, though, I began to discover what I truly love doing. I realized that everyone is focused on their own lives, and something I might overthink or magnify in my own eyes might not even matter to others at all. That understanding, combined with pursuing art as my passion, has helped me build self-confidence. Now, even if there’s no praise, I know that giving my best to something I love is worthwhile in itself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chloechen.portfoliobox.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloechenstudio?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
Image Credits
The first three photos are from my recent exhibition with ceramic works, followed by some of my other pieces, and a photo of me in NYC.
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