Meet Enddle (jianhao) Zheng

We were lucky to catch up with Enddle (jianhao) Zheng recently and have shared our conversation below.

Enddle (Jianhao), we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Finding my purpose was a journey filled with curiosity, experimentation, and ultimately, self-discovery. It all began when I was young, captivated by the world of programming and electronics. I taught myself these skills through online searches, browsing forums and blogs. Watching my dad fix home appliances only fueled my interest, sparking a desire to understand how things worked.

As I grew older, I channeled this curiosity into creative projects. I started with software and games, then moved on to websites, posters, even videos and music for these endeavors. By high school, I could build mobile apps with complete server backends, while participating in short films and documentary productions.

However, as I pursued a Software Engineering degree in college, I realized that mastering these technical skills alone wasn’t my ultimate goal, but only the first step. My true passion is applying these skills in real-world productions – especially for my own creations. I was vaguely feeling a need to convey something meaningful to the world.

This led to a bold decision: I withdrew from my engineering program and transferred to Pratt Institute, an art school in Brooklyn, NY. There, I enrolled in the Interactive Arts major, where digital technology became a tool for artistic creation. It was there, surrounded by talented fellow artists and professors, that I began to find my voice and my unique perspective.

Looking back on this journey, it was a long and winding road. But my young curiosities, my teenage explorations, and my adolescent bewilderment have come together and become my belief. All of my time leads me here and, I will walk firmly, step by step along this road pointing into my future.

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

As a Media Artist, I use electronic circuits and digital tools to create interactive artworks that explore the intricate landscape of human thoughts and emotions. My art is all about engagement, inviting viewers to actively participate in the narrative. By integrating images, sounds, and storytelling, I frame journeys that evoke feelings, fostering a deeper connection between the audience and the artwork.

I truly believe in the power of storytelling in artistic and creative productions because it’s the essential way of approaching an audience. I see myself as a storyteller, creating works that spark introspection, and encouraging audiences to forge connections with their inner selves, others, and the world around them.

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?

Throughout my journey as an artist, I’ve discovered that three key qualities have been instrumental in shaping my personal growth. The first is the relentless pursuit of passion and purpose. It’s a process that requires patience and exploration, often venturing into uncharted territories or ideas. This journey is not linear; it involves detours and uncertainties, but each step contributes to finding one’s unique creative voice.

Secondly, self-belief and perseverance are crucial. Whether still searching for direction or already on the path, trusting in oneself and one’s efforts is vital. It’s about having faith that every action, every creation, brings you closer to your goals. Challenges will inevitably arise, but staying committed and adaptable can lead to unexpected opportunities and success.

Lastly, maintaining balance and self-care cannot be overstated. The pursuit of artistic excellence demands dedication, but it must be balanced with rest and well-being. Avoiding burnout is essential; a sustainable approach to work fosters longevity and creativity.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been my creative process. I have always had a tendency to add numerous elements to my artistic productions, often striving to make them as rich and detailed as possible. However, this approach can sometimes lead to works that are cluttered and lack focus.

In the development stage of a project, I still explore various ideas and possibilities, allowing myself to delve into different directions. This exploration is crucial as it opens up new perspectives and potential expressions of the work. Yet, after this initial phase of development, I have now incorporated an additional step: simplifying. This involves carefully reviewing the elements I’ve added and identifying those that do not contribute to the core message or essence of the artwork.

This process of simplification has been both challenging and rewarding. It requires patience and discernment, as it involves making deliberate choices about what to retain and what to remove. By focusing on simplicity, I have found that my work becomes more powerful and impactful. The core message of each piece is allowed to shine through clearly, resonating more effectively with the audience.

This newfound ability to simplify has taught me valuable lessons in intentionality and curating. It’s not just about creating; it’s about carefully selecting elements that serve the greater purpose of the work. By learning to simplify after developing various elements, I have created stronger, more intentional works that convey their core message with clarity and impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://enddle.work
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enddle.work/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@enddle
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/enddle
• Other: Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/enddle

Image Credits

Jiuwen Zeng, Yeri Jun