I love immersing myself in fictional journeys, exploring assumptions that feel truer to me than the conventional “facts” the world offers. Storytelling allows me to step away from prescribed beliefs and wander through my own ideas about the origins of everything.
Wenzhou, China
@_j1015c | artist website
INTERVIEW
How does your cultural identity (China, Canada, USA) influence your creativity?
My cultural journey has deeply influenced my creativity. Growing up in China, I was immersed in traditional art and philosophy, which instilled in me discipline and respect for historical narratives.
At 15, moving to Canada allowed me to explore art in a supportive environment, experimenting with acrylics, collage, and pastels, while drawing inspiration from museum visits and renowned artists. This exposure fueled my imagination and solidified my commitment to storytelling.A turning point came in Canada during my AP Art Drawing class, where I created a series of themed paintings. This taught me how composition, character interactions, and color could spark imagination and invite interpretation, inspiring me to develop a unique artistic language across mediums.
Studying in the US expanded my understanding of global trends, technology, and contemporary design. The exposure to diverse electives and working studios broadened my creative vision, enabling me to experiment with new techniques and push boundaries.
These experiences have enriched my creativity, blending traditional and innovative elements and offer something original and multifaceted in my art and fashion designs.
Jie, your work often explores themes of apocalypse and rebirth. What inspired you to delve into this dynamic in your art?
The themes of apocalypse and rebirth have always fascinated me, as they reflect the fundamental cycles of life, destruction, and renewal in nature and human existence. Growing up with diverse cultural influences, I was drawn to transformation—whether it’s the end of the world or creation itself. In Norse mythology, the universe begins with the clash of ice and fire, and many philosophies suggest that destruction precedes renewal. These cyclical themes of death and rebirth resonate deeply with me.
In my art, the apocalypse is not just about destruction but the potential for growth and change. I explore the tension between chaos and order, life and death, light and dark. I often use cataclysmic imagery—fiery clashes between opposing forces—as metaphors for personal and collective transformation. Through these moments of crisis, I aim to create space for new beginnings, where the narrative can evolve into something interconnected with what came before.
These themes mirror how we navigate our own inner struggles and transformations, challenging the limits of what we know and imagining new possibilities for growth.
What story or concept lies at the heart of your favorite project?
The heart of my project, NEO·GENESIS, is a personal reinterpretation of the universe’s origin, exploring the duality of creation, chaos, and rebirth. Blending my study of mythology, philosophy, and science, NEO·GENESIS presents a universe born not from divine will but through the chaotic clash of ice and fire, igniting existence itself.
The narrative centers on the god beast, a higher power embodying extremes, which catalyzes the formation of the universe and human existence. Its speed and transcendence symbolize the dynamic forces shaping the cosmos, where energy defines reality’s boundaries.
The project also delves into human creation, focusing on the duality between spirit and flesh. The spirit, a complex mix of good and evil, reason and passion, shapes the flesh as it embarks on a journey of self-discovery. This journey is symbolized by ten burning candles, representing the ten months of pregnancy and growth fueled by the Tree of Life.
NEO·GENESIS reflects on the interplay of creation, transformation, and the forces shaping both the cosmos and humanity—a deeply personal exploration of origin, identity, and artistic expression.
You actively promote sustainable design. How do you balance innovative technologies with environmentally friendly materials?
Sustainability is a fundamental principle in my design process. For me, it goes beyond just using eco-friendly materials; it’s about rethinking how we design, create, and consume art and fashion in ways that minimize waste and maximize efficiency. This mindset not only drives my creativity but also helps streamline my design process, reducing unnecessary material waste.
I use 3D software to prototype designs digitally, which allows me to experiment with forms and structures without committing to physical materials until the design is fully realized. This process minimizes material waste early in the design phase and provides the flexibility to refine concepts before any physical production begins.
When selecting materials, I prioritize sustainability by using organic fabrics, recycled textiles, and upcycled materials. I also experiment with innovative techniques to transform waste fibers into valuable resources. For me, sustainable design is an evolving practice—where technology, creativity, and environmental responsibility converge to create solutions that inspire artistic expression while supporting the planet’s well-being.
What draws you to creating 3D pop-up books, and how does this practice influence your approach to fashion design?
Creating 3D pop-up books has always fascinated me for their dynamic, interactive storytelling. Transforming a flat narrative into a three-dimensional experience challenges my creativity and pushes me to explore structure, movement, and material potential. The interaction of paper elements mirrors a story unfolding, making it tactile and immersive. I integrate this concept into my fashion design, exploring how garments can “unfold” and transform in response to their environment.
By incorporating 3D mechanisms into garment design, I push the boundaries of structure and functionality. Blending pop-up techniques with pattern-making, I create a fusion of utilitarian and high-fashion elements. The pop-up concept reflects the explosive nature of universe creation, embodying cosmic expansion, where a single page transforms into unexpected dimensions—mirroring the clash of ice and fire that sparks the birth of the universe. This integration of storytelling and fashion results in garments that are interactive, dynamic, and transformative.
What did participating in events like Helsinki Digital Fashion Week mean to you?
Participating in events like Helsinki Digital Fashion Week was a pivotal moment for me, marking both my commitment to sustainable fashion and my recognition as a 3D virtual fashion designer. It was an incredible opportunity to experiment with new creative processes, specifically in the digital realm, and also to see the innovative work of other 3D artists in virtual fashion. Their designs were truly inspiring and fueled my own creativity.
For me, it was about showcasing how 3D digital fashion and virtual presentations can transform traditional design while minimizing environmental impact. By eliminating the need for physical samples, this approach reduces waste and highlights how fashion can evolve in response to both environmental and technological shifts. It was also an opportunity for me to enhance my technical skills and push my design boundaries further.
I would say my participation in Helsinki Digital Fashion Week really reaffirmed my belief that fashion can be a powerful vehicle for both artistic expression and positive change. It was a starting point where sustainability and creativity merged, paving the way for a future where both are essential to the design process
Looking back at your experience, what advice would you give to aspiring artists?
Looking back on my experience, the best advice I would give to aspiring artists is to prioritize both practicing and perfecting your technical skills.
The foundation of your craft is crucial, and building strong skills gives you the confidence to explore new ideas and push creative boundaries.
Equally important is immersing yourself in the work of other artists.
This isn’t just for inspiration, but for discovering what resonates with you stylistically and conceptually. By observing a range of artistic approaches, you can identify the techniques and themes that speak to you, helping you shape your own distinct style. Art is a constant evolution, so embrace the journey of exploration and learning. Take the time to refine your skills, experiment, and grow, understanding that your creative process will develop with you over time.