Interview with Yueh Mei Cheng

The profound experiences of meditation and dance serve as the wellspring of my artistic creations. Meditation fosters a deeper comprehension of the universe's inherent reality, which subtly permeates my creative endeavors. I also derive immense pleasure from dancing which enables me to perceive the multidimensionality and fluidity of space within the dance floor.

I want to be an artist/designer because I believe that designers are more likely to convey their ideas to others than any other role.

From the moment I stepped into college, I knew I was destined to be an artist or designer. I believe that my calling is to unleash the potential of imagination, express my emotions and connection to the world, and interpret the mysteries of the vast universe through the lens of my microcosmic sensibilities.

I enjoy creating large-scale public art and installations, and I also love incorporating technology into my designs. I spend most of my time creating paintings, and of course, I often invite technology teams to collaborate with me on my paintings and extend them into spatial installations.

The most important thing to being a successful artist, designer, or, perhaps more generally, a creator, is to persevere and continue creating. The act of persisting in creation is itself the definition of success.

Distinguishes design go beyond aesthetics. They have a strong understanding of the user, the market, and the bigger picture. They can anticipate trends and create designs that are relevant and enduring. A good designer might create something visually pleasing and functional. They aim to solve problems, improve user experience, and drive positive change.

Good design is aesthetically pleasing, but it goes beyond aesthetics.. Good designers are resourceful and can adapt to new challenges.

Good design is an investment that benefits everyone. It creates a more positive user experience, strengthens brands, saves resources, and ultimately improves our lives. By prioritizing good design, we can create a world that is not only functional but also beautiful, efficient, and enjoyable.

Design is a journey, not a destination. The most successful designers are always learning, growing, and
refining their skills. There isn't one single "secret recipe" to design success, but Understanding who
you're designing for and what their needs and problems are is crucial.

There are many famous designers in the world, and their stories are both interesting and inspiring to me. The ones that have had the most impact on me are Zaha Hadid and Gabrielle Chanel, whose designs have broken down gender barriers and empowered women.

Zaha Hadid was the first woman to win the Pritzker Architecture Prize, and her work is known for its bold, innovative forms. She has designed many iconic buildings around the world, including the Guangzhou Opera House in China and the Sheikh Zayed Bridge in Abu Dhabi. Hadid's work has shown women that they can achieve anything they set their minds to, no matter how challenging the field.

Develop an eye for good design.Pay attention to design around you, from websites and packaging to magazines and advertisements. Analyze what makes them effective (or not so effective). There are many resources online and in libraries showcasing great design.

During my studies, my parents were incredibly supportive of my pursuit of a career in art or design. After marriage, my husband and my family also extended their unwavering support for my artistic endeavors. I have always been immensely proud of the encouragement I've received from my close family and friends for my creative endeavors.

My next solo exhibition is scheduled for 2025 at the National Taiwan Normal University Museum of Art in Taipei, Taiwan. I will have a large-scale technological Ink Art exhibition at the National Taiwan Normal University Museum of Art in Taipei, Taiwan. This exhibition will combine the unique characteristics of Ink Painting with AR virtual-reality interactive visual image design and AI interactive technology to create a space where physical and virtual visual images coexist. Visitors can simply pass through this space and scan a specific QR code to experience the joy of interacting with physical ink wash art images in a virtual-reality co-constructed space. Constructing this contemporary ink wash art experimental field built through aesthetic calculations will also allow a large audience to directly experience the vision of "entering the painting realm" under the future 5G network, opening up their imagination of the 5G digital visual world and appreciating the joy of Ink Art. Through this, I aim to create a new look and a contemporary image for Eastern art - Ink Painting.

Design can influence how people think and behave. A designer's ultimate goal could be to use their craft to make a positive social or environmental impact.

Well-designed solutions can shape a better society. Designers can improve people's lives, utilize resources more efficiently, and potentially enhance the overall functioning of our communities. Through their work, designers can directly influence people's behaviors and actions.

I will have a large-scale technological Ink Art exhibition at the National Taiwan Normal University Museum of Art in Taipei, Taiwan. This exhibition will combine the unique characteristics of Ink Painting with AR virtual-reality interactive visual image design and AI interactive technology to create a space where physical and virtual visual images coexist. This is my design for a mobile app that uses technology to introduce the unique perspective features of Eastern painting. I really hope that people can use my design to better understand the meaning behind Eastern painting.

I once created a large-scale technology/interactive Ink Art named "Returning to the Source of the Dadajia River." This work was well-received when it was exhibited. In recent years, the integration of technology and art has become an undeniable trend. The "technology art" trend is not only a global phenomenon but also a form of art and design that uses technology as a medium to translate, reproduce, and call for humanistic care and specific issues. It is worth noting that although the development of technology art is closely related to rapid technological breakthroughs, its creative concept and motivation seem to be closely related to the lives of contemporary people.

Design and trends have a bit of a back-and-forth relationship. The key is for designers to strike a balance. They should be aware of trends but not blindly follow them. The best designs often find a way to be both innovative and relevant to current preferences.

Technology plays a super important role for designers today. It acts as a powerful toolbox that can enhance almost every aspect of the design process, from ideation to presentation. Design software can help with simulations and life cycle assessments, allowing designers to create more environmentally friendly products.

Color, materials, and ambient factors all play critical roles in shaping the overall experience of a design. Colors have inherent psychological associations. A color palette can establish the overall mood of a space or product. The choice of materials directly impacts a design's functionality. Color, materials, and ambient factors all work in concert to shape how users interact with and feel about a design.

I do believe in co-design. Co-design involves actively incorporating the perspectives and contributions of stakeholders throughout the design process. These stakeholders can be end-users, clients, community members, or anyone with a vested interest in the final outcome. By incorporating diverse perspectives, co-design can lead to more innovative and effective solutions.

I enjoy reading a lot of religious philosophy books. Studying religion gives me the opportunity to delve deeper into the value and meaning of existence.

My artistic creations stem from my personal exploration of the interplay between Eastern and Western cultural legacies. They embody my intricate identity in relation to Eastern and Western history, the self, life, nature, and the environment. They also metaphorically represent the external manifestations of the encounter between two distinct traditions, as well as the various disharmonies that have arisen in human civilization due to 'destruction.' However, these seemingly 'destructive' elements, under the arrangement of visual aesthetics, coexist awkwardly yet harmoniously with the nature I depict in my works. My art serves as a process of self-healing and reflection for me as a contemporary individual, and I hope to invite more people to engage with my art.

I am an independent artist. I have a personal studio. At the same time, I also have several working partners, when needed.

For me, good design is like the relationship between cake and sugar. A cake that tastes good doesn't show sugar, but you can taste the perfect use of sugar.

Public art or installation.

I enjoy using highly interactive materials for design, including incorporating technological elements.

Creating a great design often resembles embarking on a lengthy journey. Discovering the inherent joy within the design process is essential to persevere until completion. On the day the design is finished, I often find myself and my creation resembling a pair of lovers, truly "made for each other."

The ability to harness irrational passion is the key to giving birth to a successful design.

Is it aesthetically pleasing? Does it use color, space, and typography effectively to create a positive first impression?

Designers can leverage their creations to share diverse cultures and perspectives, fostering understanding and respect between individuals. For instance, they can craft artistic expressions or designs that seamlessly blend elements from various cultures. Also, the designers can use their work to raise awareness, advocate for change, and inspire action towards environmental protection.

The field of design is rapidly evolving, driven by new technologies, changing user needs, and a growing emphasis on the impact of design on society. Designers are collaborating more and more with experts from other fields, such as engineers, scientists, and social scientists.
Designers will need to be able to collaborate with people from different fields and understand the needs of users.

My previous solo exhibition took place in 2022 at the Hung-Gen-Shen Fine Art Museum in Penghu, Taiwan. The subsequent solo exhibition is scheduled for 2025 at the National Taiwan Normal University Museum of Art in Taipei, Taiwan.

The profound experiences of meditation and dance serve as the wellspring of my artistic creations. Meditation fosters a deeper comprehension of the universe's inherent reality, which subtly permeates my creative endeavors. I also derive immense pleasure from dancing which enables me to perceive the multidimensionality and fluidity of space within the dance floor.

My design incorporates a variety of technological elements and techniques. Its most distinctive feature is the use of AI, AR, and light-interactive design to create numerous opportunities for interaction between viewers and the artwork, while also stimulating the viewers' multiple senses through this interaction. I aim to clearly convey my message and ideas through my work, allowing viewers to understand my intentions and resonate with them.

I live in Taiwan now. As a Taiwanese I have lived in the United States for over two decades, I have experienced a natural fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. These cultures, rather than clashing, complement each other and have profoundly influenced my creative endeavors. Exposure to diverse cultures has broadened my creative perspective.

Art creation is not about depicting the appearance of objects, but about conveying the true feelings of the mind.In Eastern art, the concept of "qiyun shengdong" describes the essence of art work . When a work of art is in harmony with the artist's spirit, it is said to embody "qiyun," and the artwork comes to life. I am of the East, and I am of the West, but I am most of all myself. I hope that every young artist/designer can find their own place in the diverse banquet of art, to contribute their unique passion and express their true selves.

Being a designer is a journey that blends creativity with practicality. Deciding if design is right for you depends on your personality and what you value in a career. If you enjoy creative problem-solving and have a passion for visual communication, the challenges can be rewarding. Meeting deadlines is crucial, and design projects can involve tight timelines. This can lead to stress and long hours, especially when revisions come into play. Deciding if design is right for you depends on your personality and what you value as an artist / designer.

Designers need to possess a diverse range of skills and abilities to succeed in their field. Communication Skills are essential for all designers. Effective communication is crucial for designers, as they need to collaborate with clients, team members, and other stakeholders. This involves clearly articulating ideas, actively listening to others, and understanding different perspectives.

Effective time management is crucial for designers due to the frequent demand to complete numerous tasks within tight deadlines.For me, a couple of key strategies to enhance productivity are dedicating time for brainstorming before diving into design tasks to organize thoughts and scheduling tasks requiring intense focus during peak productivity hours.

As a university art and design professor with over 30 years of teaching experience, I have had the privilege of guiding and inspiring countless young minds in their creative endeavors. My passion for art and design extends beyond the classroom, as I am an active artist myself. This dual perspective has enriched my teaching immensely, allowing me to connect with students on a deeper level and share the joys and challenges of the creative process firsthand.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is the constant exposure to new people, ideas, and challenges. Each day brings fresh perspectives, unexpected twists, and opportunities for growth. This dynamic environment keeps me energized and motivated, as I am constantly challenged to adapt, innovate, and inspire.

In essence, my job is to navigate the ever-changing landscape of art and design, both in the classroom and in my own creative pursuits. Embracing challenges, fostering creativity, and inspiring others are at the heart of what I do.

My works are typically collected by private corporations, and I also occasionally participate in large-scale public art open calls initiated by government agencies.

I am deeply passionate about creating art and design that intertwines with spatial design. This encompasses both two-dimensional works like paintings and three-dimensional sculptures, seamlessly integrating them into various spatial installations that incorporate light and shadow projections, AI interaction, and AV/R interaction. I am fascinated by leveraging technology to expand the perspectives from which art is viewed.

My large-scale public art installations often involve collaborations with designers, while most of my paintings are independently created.

In the spring of 2025, I will have a large-scale technological Ink Art exhibition at the National Taiwan Normal University Museum of Art in Taipei, Taiwan. This exhibition will combine the unique characteristics of Ink Painting with AR virtual-reality interactive visual image design and AI interactive technology to create a space where physical and virtual visual images coexist. Visitors can simply pass through this space and scan a specific QR code to experience the joy of interacting with physical ink wash art images in a virtual-reality co-constructed space. Constructing this contemporary ink wash art experimental field built through aesthetic calculations will also allow a large audience to directly experience the vision of "entering the painting realm" under the future 5G network, opening up their imagination of the 5G digital visual world and appreciating the joy of Ink Art. Through this, I aim to create a new look and a contemporary image for Eastern art - Ink Painting.

Email is the preferred method of contact me: yuehmeiart@gmail.com