Can you start by giving us an overview of your artistic background and your journey to becoming a ceramic sculptor?

My journey with clay began during my Bachelor’s studies in China, where I first discovered the profound joy of working with this timeless material. I continued to pursue this passion and recently completed my Master’s in Ceramics & Glass at the Royal College of Art in London. What truly captivates me about ceramics is the process itself. Each step, from shaping the clay to firing it in the kiln, requires a deep focus and presence. This engagement with the material allows me to be completely in the moment, finding peace and fulfillment in the act of creation.

Your work focuses on creating a radical future possibility through apocalyptic narratives. What inspired you to create these dystopian visions?

I believe my inspiration comes from many sources. From a young age, I have been deeply interested in science fiction and post-apocalyptic films. I enjoy imagining how humans would respond when the end of the world comes and what changes the Earth would undergo. In my daily life, I have encountered oddly shaped fruits in the market, especially polyploid strawberries, which left a deep impression on me. These experiences have driven me to explore radical future possibilities through dystopian narratives.

Flash of Growth by Meichen Chen. Image courtesy of Meichen Chen.

You mentioned that your work depicts emerging mutant life forms. What has been your process for imagining and crafting these unique beings, and what real-life examples have influenced your sculptures?

During my initial research phase, I consider how to portray the vitality and aggressiveness of these non-human life forms. I believe that they also possess emotions to some extent and can have moments of restraint and outbursts. In real life, issues such as improper oil discharge leading to ocean pollution, unethical genetic modification experiments, and the leakage of laboratory specimens are examples that influence my sculptures.

How do you see your work challenging conventional perceptions of the natural world? Do you find that your childhood encounters with nature have influenced your current artistic vision?

I believe the non-human life forms in my work are more violent and have their own attitudes. My childhood encounters with bamboo forests made me subconsciously view some plants as frightening. Whenever I think of bamboo, I associate it with speed, sharpness, aggression, and destruction. These elements are reflected in my various works.

No Matter How by Meichen Chen. Image courtesy of Meichen Chen.

You use the term 'world-building' to describe your artistic process. Could you elaborate on this? How do your sculptures construct an alternate reality, and what elements of world-building do you enjoy exploring the most?

I try to construct scenes in my work where non-human life forms triumph over humans and reclaim their habitats. We currently live on a beautiful green Earth, and by "wonderful," I mean suitable living conditions for humans. However, like a parallel universe, perhaps on another out-of-control Earth, human mistakes might lead to a completely different development. This sounds a bit dark, but I enjoy imagining a world where plants become indestructible and humans flee in panic.

Your sculptures seem to capture a strong conflict between human habitats and these mutant beings. How do you explore this interplay and present it in a compelling visual narrative?

My sculptures envision alternative futures, inspired by real-world events like oil spills and genetic modification. I portray mutated life forms in human environments to challenge anthropocentrism and prompt reflection on ecological exploitation. Using various combined techniques, I create a tangible connection to nature while adding surreal elements. This visual storytelling shows a world where humanity loses its dominance, inviting viewers to think about the consequences of our actions on Earth and its inhabitants, symbolising nature's resilience and quest for autonomy amidst ecological crises.

Slow Violence by Meichen Chen. Image courtesy of Meichen Chen.

You incorporate interesting textures and shapes into your work, experimenting with natural elements like strawberries. How does this add to the overall aesthetic and message of your pieces?

My creative process isn't entirely pre-planned. At first, I always aim to define the final shape, but during the creation process, I often find that my initial ideas are too perfect. Gradually, I set just a general shape or a certain feeling I want to convey, and then adjust it as I go along. The texture of the strawberries in my work comes from my fascination with polyploid strawberries and how their texture expresses the feeling I want. Additionally, my work features various styles, not limited to just one. I don't restrict myself to a single style; I am open to exploring new ones that I find interesting.

As an artist residing in London, how has the city's artistic community and culture influenced your practice, and are there any particular movements or artists that have inspired your work?

Living in London has greatly influenced my artistic practice. The city’s open and diverse art scene has provided me with a lot of encouragement. During my MA studies, it allowed me to explore directions I had always wanted to try but hadn’t had the chance to before. The acceptance and appreciation of unconventional art here have inspired me to be bolder in my own work. Additionally, many exhibitions in London closely align with my research interests, and attending them has subconsciously enriched my knowledge and influenced my artistic vision.

Revolution by Meichen Chen. Image courtesy of Meichen Chen.

Do you believe that engaging in artistic expression is a mode of nurturing? If so, what are the reasons behind this perspective?

I believe artistic expression is indeed a mode of nurturing. For example, my sculptures depict the conflict between human habitats and mutated life forms, encouraging viewers to reflect on ecological issues. This artistic process helps me explore and express my imaginings about the potential future impacts on Earth, while also prompting viewers to deeply consider the relationship between humanity and nature, thus fostering personal insight and raising societal awareness about environmental concerns.

What message or call to action would you like to leave our readers with?

I’m not accustomed to leaving specific calls to action for the audience. Different people interpret my work in various ways, that’s a good thing.

Find more about the artist here.

Cover image:

No Matter How by Meichen Chen. Image courtesy of Meichen Chen.