Illustrator An Chen delivered an inspiring talk at September's Nicer Tuesdays event in London, sharing her unique artistic journey and encouraging fellow creatives to embrace their unconventional styles. Chen, who works across multiple mediums including sculptures, textiles, and animations, walked audiences through her distinctive angular illustrations and demonstrated how she creates dynamic interactions between organic shapes.
During her presentation, which was described as beaming with optimism and sincerity, Chen opened up about her creative evolution from someone who never believed she could draw properly to developing a confident artistic voice. Her story resonates with many artists who struggle with self-doubt and comparison to traditional artistic standards. Chen's transformation highlights the importance of persistence and self-acceptance in the creative process.
Chen's artistic style draws heavily from her industrial childhood neighborhood, which serves as inspiration for her geometric and Constructivist-influenced illustrations. This unconventional source of inspiration demonstrates how artists can find beauty and meaning in unexpected places. Her work seamlessly blends harsh geometric elements with softer organic forms, creating a unique visual language that sets her apart in the illustration world.
The talk emphasized the value of staying true to one's artistic vision, even when it doesn't conform to mainstream expectations. Chen's message of "Your art is special" serves as both validation and encouragement for artists who work in non-traditional styles. Her multidisciplinary approach, spanning illustration, sculpture, textile work, and animation, showcases the benefits of exploring different mediums to fully express creative ideas.
The Nicer Tuesdays event series continues to provide a platform for original creatives to share their insights and experiences with London's artistic community. Chen's presentation joins a lineup of inspiring talks designed to support and motivate fellow artists in their creative journeys. The event was supported by partners including Epidemic Sound, Love Corn, and El Rayo Tequila, demonstrating the growing collaboration between creative platforms and lifestyle brands.
