We were lucky to catch up with Jingyi Gao recently and have shared our conversation below.
Jingyi, 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.
Embracing the life by incorporating a mindful practice into every weekly routine. I am intentional about balance my life, work and personal space, giving myself time to be alone. Prioritizing Solitude is crucial; dedicating time exclusively for my self-reflection, relaxation, and activities that helps recharge my mind and body. When I take a moment to be still, I find the I become more open to what’s happening around me. I found myself more receptive to the world around me. This tranquility serves as a counterbalance to the stresses and overwhelming influences from the external world, allowing creativity flows in.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m an artist based in New York City, with a primary focus on exploring the relationship between technology and the human body. I was born in Harbin, China, growing up in the intellectual atmosphere of Harbin Institute of Technology. At the age of 11, I joined the Ballet program at the Shanghai Dance Academy, immersing myself in various dance styles, both Western and Eastern. My college years brought challenges in navigating culture and interdisciplinary studies at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore and SUNY Purchase College in New York, significantly impacting my artistic journey.
My interest in photography started backstage in the theater, capturing the beauty of body movements during rehearsals. Since then, my artistic practice revolves around the interplay between the organic body and its representation. This exploration extends to the boundaries between reality and virtuality, form, and abstraction. In recent years, influenced by technological advancements, my works have become more experimental and interdisciplinary. I combine cutting-edge techniques with traditional media to unveil how the structural and manifested aspects of the body interact. Through imaginative and thought-provoking representations, my goal is to challenge perspectives on how we perceive and experience the human form.
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?
Knowing why do you arrive to certain decision is important to me. Self-awareness and a clear understanding of WHY involved introspection and a deep dive into my motivations, helping me align my action with my values and aspirations. Then I value the ability to engage in continuous self-reflection. The on-going process allowed me to adapt, learn from experiences, and refine my approach. Lastly, being open-minded to criticism emerged as a key skill. Constructive feedback, even if initially challenging to hear, provided valuable insights and opportunity for improvement.
My advice to those early in their journey is to invest time in identify the driving forces behind their pursuits, developing a habit of regular self-assessment, acknowledging both successes and failures and actively seek feedback. It is really beneficial remaining receptive to different perspectives and view criticism as constructive tool for personal and professional advancement.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
Currently, I grapple with the balance between the practicalities of daily living and the pursuit of an artistic career. This challenge presents itself prominently in the face of questions surrounding financial stability and the ongoing dilemma of choosing between working for hire or independently. Despite these complexities, my awareness of the motivations behind my actions guides me through the decision-making process. By consistently evaluating priorities, I have managed to make choices aligning with my aspirations for the near future. I firmly believe that a determined mindset, coupled with thoughtful decision-making, paves the way to achieving one’s goals.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: jingg.lola
Image Credits
image provided by Jingyi Gao and iidrr Gallery
