Artist in conversation: Chandler Cheng
“ constantly observing the details of everyday life is incredibly helpful for staying motivated and inspired, especially the intricate structures of heavy machinery and the graceful curves of biological forms ”
Chandler’s "Augmented Limb" is where speculative fiction meets high art, and the results are nothing short of mesmerizing. Imagine a world where human bodies aren’t limited by biology, but enhanced with the grace of nature and the precision of robotics. That’s the fantastical realm Cheng invites us into with his kinetic sculptures.
Drawing from the elegance of snakes and the sturdy mechanics of dinosaur tails, Cheng’s creations blur the line between the organic and the mechanical. These aren’t just sculptures; they’re statements. Each piece challenges us to reconsider what our bodies could be if we allowed technology to augment our natural forms. It’s like looking at the future through a lens of poetic possibility.
Drawing from the elegance of snakes and the sturdy mechanics of dinosaur tails, Cheng’s creations blur the line between the organic and the mechanical. These aren’t just sculptures; they’re statements. Each piece challenges us to reconsider what our bodies could be if we allowed technology to augment our natural forms. It’s like looking at the future through a lens of poetic possibility.
But what makes Cheng’s work truly compelling is the narrative undercurrent. He doesn’t just create; he tells stories. Before he even touches his 3D printer, he spins tales of futuristic scenarios, like space truck drivers commuting between Earth and Jupiter. These stories infuse his sculptures with depth and context, making them more than just visual delights but thought-provoking artifacts of a possible future.
As his work has evolved, Cheng has delved deeper into themes of human enhancement and the ethics of merging with technology. His sculptures not only showcase technical brilliance but also provoke questions about identity and the future of humanity. This evolution reflects a sophisticated understanding of both his medium and the broader implications of his work.
Chandler’s "Augmented Limb" is a captivating blend of art, science, and speculative storytelling. It’s an invitation to dream bigger and question more deeply the relationship between our bodies and the technologies that could redefine them. In a world teetering on the edge of extraordinary technological advances, Cheng’s work is both a mirror and a window to what might come next.
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What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
I've always been a highly imaginative person, often finding random bursts of creativity popping into my head during everyday moments. As a child, I delighted in bringing these ideas to life in various forms. In college, I learned to use 3D software and digital fabrication techniques, which significantly shaped my artistic style. This blend of mechanical visual language with natural curves creates a sense of familiar unfamiliarity in my work. This unique approach allows me to explore and express the fusion of technology and nature in a way that feels both innovative and grounded.
Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset when starting a new project?
Honestly, every time I embark on a new project, I like to start with some writing. It might sound a bit unusual, but I’ve found that creating a story helps me clarify the creative background and sparks a lot of inspiration for the work ahead. For instance, at the beginning of the "Augmented Limb" series, I wrote a piece about a future space truck driver traveling between Earth and the mining fields of Jupiter. This kind of creative writing is fascinating—it feels less like I'm crafting a story and more like I'm a detective uncovering details about a pre-existing world. This process helps me dive deep into the context and nuances of my projects, setting a rich stage for the visual and technical aspects that follow.
What materials and mediums do you prefer to work with, and why?
I enjoy creating installation art, especially pieces that encourage audience interaction. I believe that the viewers' reactions and interactions are a crucial part of my creative process. This engagement helps me continuously test and refine whether my work successfully conveys the intended message. My interdisciplinary background allows me to utilize various 3D technologies in my creations, giving me the flexibility to experiment with different materials and techniques to bring my artistic visions to life.
How has your work evolved over the years, and what changes have you noticed in your technique or themes?
I still consider myself to be in the early stages of my artistic journey, so there haven't been dramatic shifts in the last couple of years. However, I have noticed significant changes in my creative mindset. Previously, my approach was more concrete and literal, but it has gradually become more abstract. I've started incorporating more negative space in my creations, allowing the exhibition and the viewers to fill in the gaps and interpret the work freely. This shift has opened up new avenues for exploration and engagement with my audience.
Can you share a particular project that stands out to you and explain the creative process behind it?
Absolutely! One project that truly stands out to me is the "Augmented Limb." This work is an artistic exploration that melds 3D technology and biomimicry to transcend human limits, merging mechanical and organic forms in a speculative reimagining of the human body.
The creative process began with extensive research into similar forms in nature, particularly the fluid movements of snakes and the robust structure of dinosaur tails. Using 3D technology, I stylized these natural forms, experimenting with different designs to blend the organic and mechanical seamlessly. This involved countless iterations, tweaking and refining the design until it captured the balance and fluidity I envisioned.
Through this iterative process, I was able to develop a prototype that not only met my artistic standards but also invited viewers to ponder the possibilities of human enhancement and the boundaries between the natural and the artificial
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
Feedback from critics and audiences is incredibly valuable to me, especially for my installation art. It’s like a treasure trove of fresh perspectives that push me out of my comfort zone and spark new creative ideas. I view these insights as opportunities to see my work through different lenses, enriching my artistic practice.
Balancing this feedback with my own intuition is a dance. My intuition keeps my work grounded, while the feedback propels me into new directions. I sift through suggestions, picking the ones that resonate and enhance my vision. This way, my art remains authentic but continuously evolves through a blend of personal creativity and collective wisdom.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
I find that constantly observing the details of everyday life is incredibly helpful for staying motivated and inspired, especially the intricate structures of heavy machinery and the graceful curves of biological forms. These observations are a continuous source of inspiration for me. Additionally, I enjoy exploring the works of other artists and designers, delving into the stories behind their creations. This not only strengthens my own artistic skills but also helps me develop a more refined sense of art appreciation. By immersing myself in the creative journeys of others, I am able to overcome setbacks and creative blocks, continually evolving and growing as an artist.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
I am very excited about exhibiting my artworks with The Holy Art Gallery. This opportunity allows me to connect with a broader artist community and share my work with new audiences. I'm looking forward to engaging with fellow artists and seeing how my pieces resonate in this setting.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Looking ahead, my long-term goals as an artist are to keep playing in the fascinating sandbox where art, technology, and the human body intersect. I want to keep creating pieces that make people stop and think, "Wait, what if…?" and push the envelope on what we believe is possible.
To get there, I'm diving headfirst into new technologies. Think advanced robotics, 3D printing, and biomimicry—basically, all the cool stuff that sounds like it’s straight out of a sci-fi movie. I’m also on the lookout for collaborations with scientists, engineers, and other curious minds because let’s face it, two heads (or three or four) are better than one, especially when you're trying to redefine human potential.
Engaging with the public is high on my list too. I want to take part in more exhibitions, lead workshops, and give talks that aren't just about showing off cool projects but sparking real conversations about the future. And I’m not afraid to mix things up. Exploring new mediums like virtual reality and interactive installations is part of the plan to keep my work fresh and surprising.
Lastly, I’m committed to tackling the big questions. As we venture further into augmenting the human body, the ethical implications become impossible to ignore. I want my work to inspire, yes, but also to encourage critical thinking about where we’re headed and how we get there responsibly.
What role does emotion play in your creative process, and and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your artworks?
Emotion is at the heart of my creative process. It acts as both a catalyst and a guide, driving my ideas and shaping the direction of my projects. When I'm creating a piece, I start by tapping into the emotions I want to explore or convey—whether it's wonder, curiosity, discomfort, or even a sense of playfulness. These feelings become the foundation upon which I build the technical and aesthetic aspects of my work.
To evoke specific emotions in viewers, I focus on creating immersive and engaging experiences. For example, with "Augmented Limb," I aim to provoke a sense of awe and contemplation about the future of human enhancement. The organic yet mechanical nature of the piece is designed to make viewers reflect on the boundaries between the natural and the artificial, and perhaps even feel a bit of unease at the implications.
I also use visual and sensory elements strategically. Colors, shapes, and movements are all carefully considered to align with the emotional tone I want to set. By integrating elements of surprise and interactivity, I invite viewers to engage more deeply with the work, allowing them to connect on a personal level and feel the emotions I intend to convey.
