We recently connected with Nana Chen and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nana, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I want to define myself first, my work encompasses many facets, but they all begin with the feelings and experiences of people. This foundation has sparked a series of intriguing creative journeys for me.
I found my purpose through a journey of exploration and connection, shaped by my heritage, my surroundings, and the people I’ve encountered along the way. My artistic path began with formal education in fine arts and evolved through various creative endeavors, from visual design projects for cultural organizations to founding my floral art studio, Urbanbotany.
A pivotal realization was how art, especially using natural materials, could create profound dialogues between people and their environments. Living in cities like Taipei, Seoul, and London deepened my appreciation for cultural intersections, while my move to Los Angeles opened up fresh inspiration from its unique natural landscapes.
My greatest insight has come through direct interactions with others. When I bring my creations to markets, art festivals, or community events, I collect heartfelt feedback from strangers. It’s not something I could experience working quietly at home. The moment a passerby’s eyes light up as they see my work, an unspoken connection is formed, sparking conversations about the stories behind the art and their own lives. These exchanges continually reaffirm my belief in the emotional power of art and inspire me to keep creating.
Ultimately, I’ve realized that my purpose lies in using art to build bridges—between people, their stories, and the natural world around us.
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?
In 2022, I visited Los Angeles as a temporary traveler and was fortunate to experience the Frogtown Art Walk, a biannual art festival. As a visitor, the event and the neighborhood left a profound impression on me. Curious to learn more about the organization behind it, I researched its background. When I returned in 2023 to settle in Los Angeles, I joined the Frogtown Arts organization as an artist. Through this nonprofit collaboration, I found a supportive community that became the foundation of my new life in the U.S.
As a newcomer, I embraced vibrant ways to integrate into the local culture and foster dialogues. By early 2024, I began selling my floral art and miniature paintings at various markets, hosting Japanese ikebana workshops with local independent stores. These connections introduced me to many creative locals and helped me build friendships through art and flowers.
In addition to being an artist, I am an astrologer who interprets destiny through Eastern constellations. While astrology is not my primary profession, it profoundly influences my art. Observing the ever-changing patterns of life inspires me to weave astrological elements into my artwork, such as a series of hand-drawn pieces centered on ikebana and bonsai. My goal for 2025 is to complete this series and showcase it at The Other Art Fair in Los Angeles.
Through my artistic and floral creations, I express myself in a more contemplative manner. However, my dynamic side strives to inspire “courage” in those I meet. This idea has led me to launch a collaborative project with friends in my homeland called “Courage for Strangers.” The project centers on a charming mascot named *FuFu Cat*, designed by my friends in Taiwan. Representing fearless courage, *FuFu Cat* offers a refreshing twist on the traditional “lucky cat,” embodying mystery and magic as a black cat. Its signature pose—a raised middle finger—is not an offensive gesture but a symbol of resilience and acceptance in the face of life’s challenges.
*FuFu Cat* merchandise includes innovative and practical items, such as herbal sachets for summer mosquito protection and ginger-red date tea tablets for winter wellness. These products draw on traditional Chinese medicine, reimagined as everyday essentials. Starting next month, I will introduce *FuFu Cat* figurines and merchandise at local Los Angeles markets, aiming to bring courage and joy to strangers I encounter.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. The Courage to Take Initiative:
Actively engaging with others, seeking activities related to your interests or development, and meeting like-minded individuals striving for their dreams. Gaining insights from diverse life backgrounds enriches your perspective and broadens the scope of your creative vision.
2. Practicing Existing Skills Repeatedly:
For instance, refining my floral arrangement techniques and experimenting with various painting materials. Creativity is a never-ending journey where no piece can be exactly replicated. This reflects Malcolm Gladwell’s “10,000-Hour Rule,” though it’s crucial to focus not just on the *quantity* of practice but also on its *quality*.
3. Reading and Consuming Aesthetic Content:
Diving into books, magazines, or films related to aesthetics often brings unexpected inspiration. These resources provide correct knowledge, challenge old ways of thinking, and help rebuild new perspectives. I enjoy the process of “breaking down and rebuilding” myself periodically, as it nurtures a lifelong sense of curiosity and growth.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes! My Ikebana flower arrangement workshop is exploring collaborations with various businesses. If you’re reading this and interested in hosting a fantastic floral meditation and learning experience in your commercial space, please reach out! I’m a nomadic floral artist and am excited to partner with diverse venues.
At the same time, I’m also seeking consignment shops interested in collaborating to showcase *Fu Fu Cat* merchandise, representing courage. These products range from snacks to clothing, bags, stickers, stationery, and everyday essentials, and I’d love to bring them to more amazing local communities. Thank you!
**Artist Nana’s email： nanasgathering@gmail.com
**Artist Nana Instagram： [@nanasgathering]
**Fu Fu Cat Instagram： [@couragefufu.us]
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/nanasgathering
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nanasgathering/
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/tm6_83yNjA
- Other: https://nanasgathering.myshopify.com
Image Credits
@philipsshum
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
