Today we’d like to introduce you to Wenwen Manfred
Hi Wenwen, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in a seaside city in the south of China where I started developing my artistic tastes. I was influenced by my father who specialized in Chinese painting. I followed my passion for art by going to the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing where I graduated in animation and film. I furthered my studies by moving to the United States and attended the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) where I got my Master of Fine Arts.
After graduating, as a graphic designer. During that time, I worked at developing my artistic painting style on the side and people seemed to love what I was doing. When covid hit, I was laid off. It was the opportunity I was looking for to pursue my passion for painting. I started by doing art shows, not really sure how people will like my work. I’ve been fortunate enough to find people who really appreciate what I am trying to accomplish.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve struggled a lot to get where I am. I spent a year practicing every day after highschool practicing in order to test into the best art school in China. After graduating, I wanted to further develop my creative side by coming to the United States and studying there but my English was very bad. In the US, I found the simple things challengings. I remember the first time I went to a restaurant in Minnesota. I just let the cashier pick something for me because I didn’t understand what anything was. It was very hard for me to share my opinions or understand critiques of my work, but figure things out. I’m so thankful that all my hard work has paid off and things are easier now.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve spent my entire life creating Chinese paintings. The traditional chinese paintings have specific rules and styles to follow. I’ve tried to break away from that structure in my work while still maintaining the foundation of its origin. I try to give it a more modern feel that people can relate to.
I am passionate about giving people a sense of peace. I accomplish that through the eyes of children and their innocence. I try to remind people of simpler times in their lives when things were not as complicated. I include their love of animals, wonder of nature and whimsical imagination.
My background as an animator comes out in my work through the incorporation of motion. I want my work to come across as a frame in a story. For them to be able to imagine what’s story beyond what’s on the painting.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I feel like the effect A.I. is going to have on the industry is a big unknown. I’d like for people to value the individual artist creativity but people often buy what appeals to the regardless of how it was made. As A.I. becomes better and easier to use, there’s a real risk people will replace human created art with cheaper and easier A.I. images.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wenwenliao.art
- Instagram: @wenwenliao_art
