Hsinchu | Taiwan
Wenju Chiang, born in 1975 in Taipei, Taiwan, has lost contact with her biological mother since early childhood and was raised by her father. She has always liked drawing and painting since she was little and was selected for the “Art Talented Elite Course” at the age of seven. She studied there till she was 18. During her university years, she devoted her time to learning western art pieces and creations while completing her education degree in fine arts. After graduation, she volunteered to teach in a primary school by the sea for three years. Afterwards, she went on to obtain her Master's degree, and her dissertation was on “How children‘s picture books in art class”. She married at 24 and spent the following twenty years as a wife, mother of 4, and daughter-in-law. She has been continuously searching for herself in her life. From being young and single to being pregnant and giving birth to her children, she saw the possibilities of taking on different roles in her life. She resumes her passion for art creation in mid-life and uses it to depict the looks of life itself.
Within a breath of time, I dove into the sea and was mesmerized and overwhelmed by the underwater surroundings. The underwater serenity and the never seen before underwater sceneries and beauties sparkled right before my eyes while I was suppressing the basic human instinct of needing to breathe! Venturing out in an underwater exploration with one breath of air involves the great unknown, the depth of the sea, or the dangers you may encounter which is just like the feeling I get whenever I face a blank canvas. I could be caught in fish schooling or swimming into a swarm of colorful yet poisonous jellyfish. Either swimming up or diving deeper into the underwater world is worth exploring. The vitality of the underwater world and the journey of such exploration are the core of my creations and they are depicted on my canvases using all kinds of colors, shapes, and possibilities. Diving deeply into the sea helps me de-stress. The amazing underwater sceneries and various sea creatures are the sources of my inspiration. The sea is the theme of my creations. No matter which season or time of the day, the lighting in the sea nourishes the power of the colors I use and enlightens me on a new concept of space. My daughter is my best diving partner, and she and I are also the focal points in my art creations.
Who are you (tell us briefly about yourself)?
Born in 1975 in Taipei, Taiwan, I am an independent woman, mother, teacher, free diver and artist. After twenty long years of devoting to my family, my passion for art has ignited again. With my dedication to pursuing the meaning of self-independence as well as nurturing life, I find all kinds of possibilities of my creation.
What inspires your art practice?
Diving deeply into the sea helps me de-stress. The amazing underwater sceneries and various sea creatures are the sources of my inspiration and creative drive. The sea is the theme of my creations. No matter which season or time of the day, the lighting in the sea nourishes the power of the colors I use and enlightens me on a new concept about space.
What drives you to keep going every day?
Painting with children, friends and my students always gives me inspiration and I have a lot of fun. Sharing art makes me keep going every day.
What is your number advice to fellow women artists?
Believe in yourself and always be yourself!
